Quick Snacks That Look AND Taste Good

Health food has been all over social media for a few years now. A lot of people wonder what the best diet is that will help them lose weight, or what exercises they can do to get abs fast. The truth is, nothing comes easy, but the way you eat greatly impacts your health. People mindlessly snack on high calorie foods throughout the day, which greatly upsets metabolism. Do not make this mistake! If you do choose to snack, opt your potato chips for one of these choices below. 


Banana

Bananas may have funky smell and uncomfortable texture, but if you can get one in your system, your body will be happy with you! Bananas are known to have a lot of potassium, which is great for nervous system function as well as muscle recovery. Include a banana in your morning oatmeal, or eat one with peanut butter as a snack in the day to give you many nutrients to help your body function better.

Yogurt with PB2

This is one of my favorite snacks because it provides the body an extra boost of protein. I recommend Silk dairy-free vanilla yogurt. This vegan option tastes even better with PB2 peanut butter powder mixed in. Adding fresh berries also improves the snack overall.

Frozen fruit

Most people would not think to eat frozen fruit except in smoothies, but eating frozen fruit after it has thawed for about ten minutes is a great snack. Frozen fruit actually has more nutrients than fresh fruit from the store because the fruit was frozen at peak ripeness to preserve nutrients, and “fresh fruits” could have been sitting out for a while, losing nutrients throughout the day. Blend frozen raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, or cherries with one cup of yogurt for homemade froyo!

Carrots and hummus

This is the perfect crunchy snack to munch on like chips, but without the guilt. Carrots contain plenty of nutrients, especially vitamin A. They are also rich in fiber, which is great for digestion. Pairing raw baby carrots with a hummus dip is a perfect go-to snack.

If you have a food processor, I highly recommend making your own hummus, but if not, I recommend Sabra’s classic or roasted red pepper hummus.

To make hummus:

Ingredients:

- 2 cans of drained chickpeas (save the liquid for recipe)

- ½ cup of tahini

-¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tsp minced garlic

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

- Salt & pepper to taste

- Add chopped red pepper for more flavor

Directions:

- Combine ingredients into a food processor.

- Add chickpea liquid as needed (add water if you run out).

- Blend until smooth, making sure there are no chickpea “chunks.”

- Add more salt & pepper if needed.

Apple with peanut butter

Apples contain necessary fiber that help to aid digestion. Apples also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is great for those with diabetes. Pair one or two tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter with apple slices. Sprinkling cinnamon on the apple is a great way to add some more flavor, while contributing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.


Skinny Pop popcorn

A serving of Skinny Pop is a wonderful and light snack to help you make it through a period of hunger. The lightly salted flavor is great, and I would recommend adding some of Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast seasoning for an added cheesy flavor (without the actual cheese). Nutritional yeast contains ample amounts of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B12), which are all important for immune and nervous system function. 


Lemon

This final healthy snack is not exactly a snack, but it deserves an honorable mention. Lemons contain loads of vitamin C and properties for cleaning bowels. Add lemon into your water throughout the day for a burst of antioxidants in every sip. Make it a habit to keep fresh lemon in the house, choosing heavy lemons that are perfectly yellow at the grocery store. Next time you order your drink at a restaurant, remember to ask for water with lemon!

It can be hard to eat healthy throughout the day, but with planning ahead and dedication to keeping such snacks available, it will be easier. Snacking on salty processed foods will fill you up, but not with the right nutrients; and although they taste good, they will not make you feel good. Try to always keep frozen fruit in the freezer, and fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Snacking does not have to be boring! It can taste great and be healthy at the same time. 


Article by Emily Robertson