5 Healthy Snacks You Can’t Resist
If you resolved to lose weight or eat better this year, you’re not
alone. In fact, you’re just one of millions of Americans trying
a healthier diet and embracing new habits right now. The bad news? Cravings
don’t disappear just because w. e you’ve resolved to eat better.
But, cravings don’t have to derail your healthy new routine either.
Outsmart your cravings—and get your sweet/salty fix—by replacing
your usual snacks with these five guilt-free go-tos. Easy, tasty and nutritious,
these healthy snack options give you the fuel you need to stay the course.
Kale chips
Sure, kale has been hyped in the last few years, but this dark, leafy
green is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins and minerals—including
vitamin A, K, C and iron—kale is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food
that makes a tasty, crunchy snack when roasted. Just wash and slice, toss
with olive oil, salt and your favorite herbs or seasonings, and bake at
300° until browned and crispy, about 25 minutes. Make a big batch
over the weekend and enjoy anytime you need something salty.
Apple granola stacks
If you usually reach for a candy bar when you’re hungry, try swapping
your Snickers for an apple. But not just a plain apple. Turn a cored apple
on its side and slice vertically, creating ¼-inch thick rings.
Spread each ring with almond butter and top with a sprinkle of your favorite
granola. Apples offer fiber and vitamin C; almond butter delivers heart-healthy
fats and protein; and the oats in the granola help keep you full until
mealtime. Apple granola stacks check all the same boxes that your favorite
candy bar does: sweet, crunchy, filling and nutty.
Crunchy chickpeas
Now here’s a snack you can chow down on with no regrets. Chickpeas
provide protein, fiber and a boost of essential vitamins and minerals,
like manganese and folate. Plus, their mild taste makes the little legume
a versatile base for endless flavor combinations. Toss rinsed, cooked
chickpeas with olive oil, salt and whatever spices or seasonings you like
(try smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, dill, rosemary, garlic, etc.).
Roast in a 400° degree oven until crunchy, about 20 minutes. Store
in an airtight container for easy snacking.
Stuffed dates
Dates might not have topped your grocery list lately, but this ancient
fruit is full of natural sweeteners (and B6 vitamins, magnesium, fiber
and manganese), making it the perfect solution to your sweet tooth problem.
Dates can be used in place of sugar in a variety of recipes, but they’re
perfect as a grab-and-go snack, too. Slice medjool dates in half, remove
the pit if present and stuff the cavities with banana slices for extra
potassium.
Avocado crunch
The afternoon munchies are no joke. And when they arrive, the donuts in
the breakroom or those chips left over from lunch look extra tempting.
Instead, try a brown rice cake topped with sliced avocado and tomato.
You’ll get the benefits of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, from
the tomato and plenty of vitamin E and beta-carotene from the avocado.
Best of all? You can skip the inevitable sugar crash from those breakroom donuts.
Making healthy snacks ahead of time—instead of settling for pre-packaged
candy and chips—is one small change that can make a big impact on
your new year’s health goals. So next time you’re hungry,
choose a snack that’s as nutritious as it is tasty and make every
calorie count. Want to learn more about weight loss or healthy lifestyle
habits? Talk to your doctor or visit the
CaroMont Health Fitness Center.