No matter how strong your willpower, snacking is inevitable. So how can you make these daily indulgences healthier?
Many of us are on the go all the time and forget to pack proper or sufficient snacks to get us through the day. That leads us to vending machines and convenience stores for quick fixes such as potato chips, soda and candy bars — each one a haven for additives and preservatives that are harmful to our health.
The good news is that snacks can be healthy. Here are five that are excellent for you.
Organic yogurt with fruit • Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and it’s easier to digest than milk. Other benefits of yogurt include its ability to boost immune systems and reduce yeast infections. When buying yogurt, look for organic varieties free of antibiotics and that come from grass-fed cows. You can stir in blueberries, goji berries or apples if you wish.
Almonds • Packed with magnesium and phytochemicals — which are great for preventing cancer — almonds are the perfect snack when you’re driving or keeping an eye on the little ones during soccer practice. Just 20 to 25 almonds contain as much calcium as 1/4 cup of milk. Did I mention they also give you tons of energy? Well, they do. Before chowing down on this power nut, make sure you find raw almonds, not ones that have been heated or roasted, because those processes detract from the essential nutrients of the almond. If you have a hard time digesting almonds, soak them overnight in water or green tea.
Organic apples with almond butter • There’s something to that old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away. When you add almond butter to your apple, it turns a good fruit into great snack. Make sure the apples you’re buying are organic, because conventional apples tend to contain pesticides. Apples are full of fiber, can help clean your teeth and have been known to help lower cholesterol. When you add almond butter — which is more nutritious than peanut butter — you have a powerful energy-filled snack, complete with protein to leave you feeling full until your next meal.
Green smoothies • These are full of nutrients and vital enzymes, and they even make a great breakfast. To make one, simply blend together some of your favorite fruits — such as a banana, a cup of strawberries and an apple — with a few leaves of lettuce, spinach and an avocado. Add 8 ounces of water and blend. The result is a yummy green drink that will get you through your day. When I have a green smoothie in the morning, I never hit that 3 p.m. wall.
Dark chocolate • Eating 1.6 ounces of chocolate every day can reduce the risk of blood clots and lower levels of bad cholesterol, in addition to providing serotonin to help boost your mood. But not all chocolate is created equal. It’s best to stick to dark chocolate. Other varieties of chocolate have been processed and, as a result, have lost as many as half of their beneficial flavonoids.