Snacking can be a great way to fuel your body between meals, but it's important to ensure that your snacks nourish and support your overall health goals. During the day, we can get bouts of hunger between meals, making it very easy to reach for unhealthy options. Luckily, we can solve this issue by keeping stocks up on better alternatives.
If you want to expand your snacking options beyond the usual chips and candy, this article will go through six good options you can include in your daily meal plan.
Beef jerky
Beef jerky is an excellent snack option as it is high in protein and low in fat. Beef jerky contains all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and can help to support muscle growth and recovery, especially after exercise. It is also a great source of iron, zinc, phosphorus and other minerals that our body needs for optimal health.
Beef jerky can be a tasty, on-the-go snack that is easy to add to your daily meal plan with varieties such as traditional jerky or Australian biltong it will be hard to run out of options. You can enjoy it as it is, or use it in recipes such as kale chips with beef jerky or wraps with roasted vegetables and beef jerky.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibre that help support your body’s natural processes and keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, the naturally occurring sugar in these foods is lower than other snack items like candy or pastries, which helps curb cravings for sugary snacks without spiking your blood sugar like other foods.
You can grab a piece of fruit like an apple, orange or banana and have it with some nut butter or yoghurt for added protein. You could also snack on crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices and bell peppers.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds include providing essential amino acids, dietary fibre, and a range of vitamins and minerals. These foods are also high in healthy fats that promote satiety, helping to keep you full for longer. You can snack on raw nuts like almonds or walnuts or roasted nuts like cashews, peanuts and macadamias. Seeds like pumpkin, chia, and sunflower seeds are also tasty options.
You can add them to salads or oatmeal or have them as is. Try roasting nuts and seeds with spices like cinnamon, garlic powder or paprika for a flavourful snack that’s full of nutrition.
Greek yogurt
The benefits of greek yogurt include being a good source of protein and probiotics that can help to improve gut health. Greek yogurt also provides calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and other essential vitamins and minerals. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a filling and nutritious snack.
It can be eaten as it is or used in various recipes. You can enjoy Greek yogurt as a simple snack by topping it with fresh fruit and nuts. This provides sweet and savoury flavours with a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.
Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great way to add a healthy dose of protein and nutrition to your diet. Boiling eggs helps preserve their nutrient content, especially the vitamins A, D, E, and K - as well as essential minerals such as iron, selenium and zinc. Additionally, the protein found in hard-boiled eggs helps to keep you fuller for longer, making them a great snack option.
Hard-boiled eggs can be eaten simply as they are, or you can top them with salt and pepper and some herbs like chives or parsley for added flavour. You could make egg salad sandwiches with some mayonnaise and your favourite herbs or spices. Boiled eggs can also be used in various recipes, such as egg salad wraps or deviled eggs.
Summary
Hopefully, we've provided some inspiration on how to keep yourself fueled healthily so you can avoid bad snacks. Feel free to experiment, see what works best for you, and even try other options. You can stay satisfied throughout the day by incorporating a variety of healthy snacking options into your diet.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
