When hunger hits in between meals, it is time for a snack! Snacking is an important part of a healthy and well-balanced diet, it provides energy throughout the day, decreases your hunger, and prevents overeating.
When choosing your snack aim for healthy and whole foods instead of highly processed options. Refined carbohydrates, like chips, cookies, and candies are digested quickly by the body, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and leave us feeling hungry shortly after eating. However, choosing healthy snacks that are high in protein and fiber takes longer to digest, helps control blood sugar levels, reduce hunger and keeps us full for several hours.
Here are some nutritious and healthy snacks to add to your diet:
Mixed Nuts
A handful of roasted nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts and pecans is highly satisfying and full of healthy fats, protein and fiber.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is not only rich and delicious, but is also loaded with nutrients such as fiber, iron, magnesium and a wide variety of powerful antioxidants.
Peanut Butter with Whole Wheat Bread
This combination will keep your hunger levels low. Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy monounsaturated fats, which will improve your heart health by increasing HDL-good cholesterol and reducing LDL-bad cholesterol.
Fresh Fruits
Fruits are excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoying a wide variety of fruits such as banana, apple, orange, or grapefruit… can have significant benefits on our heart health, skin health, and digestive system.
Whey Protein Shake
Protein shakes can increase your daily intake of protein, which can boost your metabolism, reduce your appetite and help you lose body fat while maintain your muscle mass.
Greek Yogurt and Berries
This delicious and nutritious snack is a great source of protein, calcium and potassium, which is essential to promote your bone health, and maintain your muscles mass.
Edamame
This low-calorie snack is gluten free, high in antioxidants, protein, iron and magnesium.
Popcorn
3 cups serving of air-popped popcorn contains around 100 calories. Popcorn is high in fiber and can be an excellent alternative to processed snacks such as potato chips.
Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Packed with protein from the chickpeas, this delicious and creamy dip also contains lots of fiber that will help control your blood sugar levels and fill you up.
Finally, by choosing healthy, nutritious and delicious options you will control your hunger and enjoy snacking throughout the day. Choose wisely and enjoy your freshii Dubai snack!
Mariam Fadlallah,
Kcal Nutritionist
