Why do you need snacks?
There are a lot of benefits to having snacks throughout the day. Snacks can help you stay energized and focused, they can help you reach your daily calorie goals, and they can even help you get in some extra nutrients. But with so many different snack options out there, it can be hard to know which ones are the best for you.
So first, how to choose the right snacks?
The best snacks are those that are nutritious and satisfying to eat. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices for your snack time:
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The most important thing to keep in mind is to consider your nutritional needs. If you're looking for a snack that will give you energy, reach for something with protein or healthy fats; nuts, seeds, yogurt, and whole-grain toast are all excellent options.
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if you're looking for a snack that will help you stay full until your next meal, seek something with fiber; fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain crackers, and popcorn are all good choices.
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And if you're looking for a snack that's both nutritious and delicious, reach for something that has a good balance of both protein and fiber. Our favorite picks are fresh fruits topped with yogurt or nut butter, whole-grain toast with avocado or hummus, and air-popped popcorn.
What are the best healthy snacks?
Here are nutritionists suggestions of their favorite healthy, portable, nonperishable daily snacks:
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Nuts. They are one of the greatest sources of healthy fat and protein, and they're high in fiber, too. “I keep a bag of mixed nuts in my car, and at my desk, so I'll have something to munch on if I get hungry,'' says Lisa Cimperman, MS, RD, and owner of Cimperman Nutrition in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are especially good sources of vitamin E and magnesium, a mineral that helps keep your bones strong and may ease symptoms of PMS.
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Air-popped popcorn. This whole-grain snack is the ultimate low-calorie comfort food. “Popcorn is a whole grain, so it's a great source of fiber,'' says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, author of The Flexitarian Diet. Added bonus: The air-popping process eliminates the need for oil, which means you can feel good about eating a lot of it!
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Almonds. These nuts are rich in calcium, protein, vitamin E, and fiber. “I always have a handful of almonds in my bag so I can satisfy a craving for something salty,'' says Cimperman. Feel free to sprinkle some on your morning cereal and yogurt for an extra dose of vitamin E.
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Baby carrots. These crunchy little guys are an excellent source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. “I keep a bag of baby carrots in my desk drawer at work, says Cimperman, since “they're easy to grab when [she’s] feeling hungry between meals.”
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Fruit. Berries are a great choice because they're flavorful and low-calorie (half a cup of raspberries contains just 64 calories). “Keep a bag of frozen mixed berries in your freezer and add some to your morning smoothie,” suggests Blatner. Or just grab a handful to eat as a quick afternoon snack!
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Greek yogurt. This creamy snack contains twice the protein, twice the calcium, and half the sugar of regular yogurt. “I love to bake with Greek yogurt,'' says Cimperman, because “it adds protein and moisture to baked goods.”
Maybe not so healthy, but a good alternative too!
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Granola Bars - Granola bars are some of the best snacks every day. They come in a variety of flavors and styles and they are also easy to find at most grocery or convenience stores. They are very affordable too, so you don't have to worry about breaking your budget if you buy a few too many. There are many different brands, but some of the best granola bars are from Nature Valley, Fiber One, Kashi, and Kind bars.
So next time you're feeling snacky, be sure to reach for one of these options!