There is a common perception that snacks are not healthy. However, it is a sheer
myth. There are many food items that are used as snacks between two meals and
are healthy too. As snacks are mostly associated with potato wafers, crunchy
chips, sweet marshmallows and sugary cookies, people who are health conscious
tend to shoo away from any kind of snacks. However, if you know to distinguish
the right kind of snacks from the wrong ones, you will get a healthy source of
nutrients as a well as a harmless filler between two meals.
No snacks are meal replacement
Snacks are basically ready made items meant to gratify your hunger between meals
or with tea or coffee. If chosen properly, they not only provide you with an
instant source of energy but also help you cut down on excess intake of heavy
meals. However, always remember that snacks are not the replacement of staple
diet and should always be taken in limit. Also remember that snacks you in take
are healthy source of nutrients rather than being tasty getaways from meals.
Choosing healthy snacks
While choosing your snacks, always keep in mind that the one you are picking is
a low-fat product. Also, the snack is low in oil, sugar and other fat increasing
content. Products that are steamed, boiled or raw act as the best snack in terms
of gratifying your hunger as well as in terms of your weight-maintenance. Green
vegetables and fruits can be used in several ways to make healthy and yummy
snacks.
Always look for items that comprise of complex carbohydrates. Items like
whole-grain breads and cereals when combined with protein-rich snacks such as
peanut butter or low-fat yogurt or cheese act as a healthy fulfilling snack.
Also remember that just because a product is natural and pure, it does not mean
it is nutritious. All juices and sodas are filled with sugar which should be
strictly avoided. Avoid products with Trans fat.
Some Healthy Snacks
* Mini muffins
* Popcorn (little or no butter)
* Spiced aromatic idli
* Young papaya bites
* Non-sugar coated cereals (corn bran, shreddies, mini wheats)
* Pretzels - mini carrots with dip
* Toasted pumpkin seeds
* Mini bagels
* Low fat pitas and hummus
* Fruits
* Unsalted nuts and raisins mixed together.
Conclusion
Develop habits to stick to your regularity of munching only healthy snacks. Give
no excuses to yourself for popping up those extra calories. These healthy
nutrients can also be a good substitute for your smoking and drinking habits,
that too in a fulfilling and healthy way. Avoid paying attention to the
unhealthy sugary chocolate bars and carbonated drinks. Here is some thing you
can follow…
* Prepare Healthy snacks in advance, so that it is available as you start
feeling hungry.
* Keep them with you always, so that you do not give yourself an excuse of
unavailability.
* Make them delicious and interesting so that they look no less tastier than
their unhealthy counterparts.
