Most people have at least one snack a day. If you take a bite of anything between meals, you have had a snack. Unfortunately, most of us choose unhealthy snacks that really do nothing for our appetites, and actually harm us. You need to know the 10 healthiest snacks for your daily appetite.
Do You Really Need Snacks?
Many people go on a diet, and vow not to snack. This is a huge mistake. You actually need snacks to keep your appetite under control. In fact, many weight loss experts recommend six small meals a day, and at least three of those meals will be similar to snacks, instead of actual meals.
You have to eat, and you actually have an easier time losing weight if you never allow yourself to feel hunger. This is why healthy snacks are so important to weight loss and to good health in general.
The Ten Healthiest Snacks
- Bananas – Bananas provide a great source of potassium and vitamin B6, and carbohydrates which your body can use for energy right away.
- Carrots – Carrots provide crunch, which is important, but more importantly, one carrot will take care of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.
- String Cheese – Purchase low fat string cheese which provides plenty of protein and calcium.
- Nuts – Nuts are a great source of protein, but they can be fattening, so do not eat too many of these.
- Yogurt – Yogurt has tons of benefits, including a lot of calcium. Yogurt is also low fat, which is a satisfying additional benefit.
- Bran Muffin – A bran muffin will provide you with the fiber that your body needs, and many contain iron as well. Make sure that your bran muffin isn’t overly sugary.
- Tuna and the right crackers – If you make your tuna with low fat mayonnaise, and eat it on whole wheat crackers, this makes a great healthy snack.
- Cantaloupe – Cantaloupe is a great source of vitamin C, but is better than an apple or an orange in that it is lower in calories and natural sugars.
- Bagel – A bagel can provide lots of iron, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, which are important. You can also spread it with a low fat spread of your choice to make it tasty.
- Pretzels – Pretzels are not necessarily healthy or unhealthy, but when you want a salty crunch, they are the healthiest choice.
Be Prepared for Healthy Snacking
If you want to be a healthy eater, make sure that you are prepared with healthy snacks. Take the time to read labels and stock your kitchen and your office with healthy snack choices, instead of junk food – or no food which would likely cause you to hit the vending machine or the fast food joint.
For healthy snacks that must be prepared, set aside time each week to prepare those healthy snacks ahead of time. You do not want to have to prepare the snack at the time that you are ready to eat it, or you will forgo that snack altogether, or eat too much of it.
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