Healthier Snacks to Satisfy Cravings
When you’ve got a hankering for something delightfully indulgent and you’re trying so hard to be healthy, what’s a girl to do? It’s human nature to crave salt and sugar but these are obviously not always the best options when it comes to a healthy diet. We’re helping you with some alternatives to keep your nutrition on track. Check out these healthier snacks to satisfy cravings:
Pistachios and Cashews: Nuts are packed with both fiber and healthy fats that fill you up and support a healthy body. Plus, they are small and crunchy so they satisfy the craving to munch. Beware of added salt, however. Look for unsalted or lightly salted varieties to ensure you’re not overdosing on sodium. Here’s a bonus: eating shelled pistachios will slow down your snacking but still keep you occupied during the process.
Frozen Peas and Corn: Another great popable and delicious snack is frozen peas and corn. They both have a natural sweetness and contribute some valuable nutrients to your diet. Frozen peas and corn will melt in your mouth so it is a satisfying snack to indulge that need for repetitive eating.
Oven-Baked Fries & Chips: Fries and chips are such yummy snacks but not the healthiest when made the traditional way. Instead, make them yourself with fresh sweet potatoes or vegetables and using a healthy vegetable oil like olive oil or coconut oil. Rather than seasoning with salt, try other herbs and spices. You’ll get a serving of veggies and fulfill that craving for fries or chips.
High Fiber Cereal: When you need a crunch in your munch, grab a box of high fiber cereal. Cereals are fortified with many vitamins and minerals so they are a much better option than a bag of chips or pretzels. Plus, the fiber will fill your belly and keep you satisfied for longer.
Fruit Popsicles: Fruit is always a delicious snack but if you need to switch it up, try a fruit popsicle. You can buy them or make them yourself. If you go for the store-bought version, do be sure you’re getting pure fruit popsicles with no added sugar.
Pumpkin Seeds: There are many fabulous ways to spice and bake pumpkin seeds for a sweet, savory or combination of flavors. Pumpkin seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids and lots of minerals so they are satisfying and nutritious.
Greek Yogurt and Fruit: When you have a craving for ice cream, try Greek yogurt and fruit as a substitute. It is still creamy and sweet but doesn’t contain all that unnecessary added sugar. Plus, Greek yogurt is high in protein which will energize your day.
Licorice: We’re not talking about the popular artificially flavored candy here, but licorice actually has some health and weight loss benefits. That’s because licorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid, a known appetite suppressant that helps block fat from accumulating in the body. When you have a sweet tooth, this is the candy you should eat.
We hope you reach for these healthier snacks to satisfy cravings next time you need to chomp on something delicious! Enjoy!
Sources: Care2, Women’s Health and Everyday Health
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