Snacking forms a part of most people’s daily food intake. However, processed snacks rarely keep us full or help us meet our nutritional requirements. Careless snacking can easily take us over our daily energy requirements whilst providing no nutritional benefit, prompting a range of health problems.
Mindful, nutritious, and properly portioned snacking is the key. Here we’ve rounded up our favourites, to help you take the edge off pre-mealtime hunger without exceeding your nutritional needs:
Mixed nuts
Nuts are renowned for being high fat, but they are actually the perfect balance of healthy fat, protein and fibre. They’re thought to reduce heart disease and prevent certain cancers. They are very filling, and when eaten in moderation can help you lose weight.
Apple slices and peanut butter
This is a very tasty snack, with different flavours and textures that complement each other well. Nutritionally speaking, apples are high in fibre and antioxidants, which improve our gut health. Apples are also linked to the reduction of heart disease. Whilst peanut butter is high in calories, eaten in moderation it has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.
Dark chocolate and almonds
Get your sweet fix with dark chocolate and almonds, which together make a rich and satisfying snack. Dark chocolate is known for its health benefits; it has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk (if the chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa solids). Almonds are high in healthy fat, can reduce your appetite, and help you lose weight. Both foods are high in magnesium, and also suitable for vegans.
Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella
Tomatoes and cheese are always a good combination, and they can be healthy too. Rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium, tomatoes may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Mozzarella cheese is high in calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, helping to decrease your risk of heart disease by raising your levels of HDL cholesterol.
Hard-boiled eggs
Plain and simple, eggs are one of the healthiest foods you can eat when trying to lose weight. They’re incredibly filling and help to reduce the number of calories you consume for many hours. Although they are high in cholesterol, they contain protein and vitamins K2 and B12. Try two large, hard-boiled eggs for a low-calorie snack.
Cucumber with hummus
Like apple and peanut butter, cucumber and hummus are a flavoursome combination. Cucumbers contain cucurbitacin E, a compound which is thought to have anti-cancer effects. Hummus is a very nutritional combination of chickpeas, olive oil, and garlic, which reduce inflammation and can improve heart health.
Maximise your healthy lifestyle
A great diet should be accompanied by great, regular exercise to keep you as healthy as possible. Why not maximise your nutritional progress by trying a fitness boot camp? Prestige Bootcamp in Portugal is a luxury way to get fit and lose weight.
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