My Favorite Healthy Treats
Sometimes I find that snacking gets a bad rap, but I don’t totally know why. Real talk, snacking has a TON of benefits you definitely want to take advantage of. What’s better than having a well-fuelled body that actually has the energy to do cool things all day? Nothing!
I’m a big fan of grazing between larger meals and I always carry around something in my bag to nosh on while I’m out running errands so that I’m not getting hangry while I’m in line at the drycleaners.
By now most of us understand that calorie counting doesn’t tell the whole story. Not all calories are created equal! A handful of almonds might contain 200 calories, but it also has an impressive nutritional profile full of fiber, heart-healthy fats, and powerful antioxidants. A cookie may have the same number of calories, but mostly consists of refined sugar and flour, so it’s not likely to keep you feeling full and energized for very long, meaning you’ll be reaching for another snack sooner.
There are a few things I like to keep in mind when it comes to snacking. I find it REALLY easy to mistake boredom for hunger, so if I’m watching a movie or just hanging out, I like to take stock of my body and determine whether I’m really hungry or just want something to do. Intuitive eating is big for me, so when I feel a pang of hunger coming on, I really listen to my body and mindfully provide it with the energy it’s asking for.
I know that snacking can be tough, so I’ve put together a list of the BEST healthy snacks you’ll be glad to have on hand when the hunger strikes!
ACV
Okay so it’s not a snack per se but I love starting my day with some apple cider vinegar to help curb cravings and get my digestive system moving. I am not, however, a fan of taking this straight from the bottle, which is why I’m so thankful for Goli Nutrition. These ACV gummies do wonders for bloating and they provide me with such a solid burst of energy that I don’t need a morning cuppa java.
Fresh Fruit (It’s Not Overrated!)
I love ensuring I have more than one macronutrient when I snack, which is why apple slices with peanut butter are a classic. I love sprinkling cinnamon over the apple slices before dipping them into PB for a cozy and comforting snack. Peanut butter gives me plenty of protein and fat, while the apples provide carbohydrates and fiber. A win-win combo!
Go Nuts For Nuts
If you haven’t noticed, I think nuts are an incredible snack. They’re nutritionally dense and always leave me feeling satiated until my next meal. I am totally obsessed with Karma Nuts. What makes these cashews different is that they’re wrapped in a crunchy layer of flavor so you get all of the health benefits of the cashew skin. My favorite flavors are Golden Tumeric and Lime Twist and I always make sure I have a jar around. I keep a few perfectly portioned snack packs in my car and my bag when I’m on the go.
Seaweed
Whenever that salt craving hits, I know my body needs some extra minerals, which is where gimMe snacks comes in clutch. I am a HUGE fan of seaweed because it’s full of rich sea minerals and provides my thyroid with a healthy dose of iodine. Seaweed is also great for overall gut health and I find that it keeps my hair and skin looking healthy.
Chickplease
You thought I was going to leave pasta out of this? HA. Sometimes after a big workout, I need something more than just a protein shake to hold me over until my next meal. I always make sure my grocery cart is full of Banza Foods pasta and rice. This isn’t your ordinary pasta, it’s made from chickpeas! This 100% gluten free option has 1.5x the protein and 3x the fiber as average wheat pasta. I can’t get enough of this Lemon Green Goddess Cavatappi recipe and I always keep a container of it in my fridge for easy snacking access.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pudding
Finally, if I’m after something sweet, I’ll opt for a 3-ingredient chia pudding. This is something I like to batch prep in mason jars at the beginning of my week so I can grab them and go. Just take 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, ½ cup plant-based milk, and a touch of honey. Sometimes I like to add a splash of orange blossom or rosewater when I’m feeling fancy, or I top it with fresh raspberries or mangoes on top. Add in a scoop of raw cacao for a delicious mousse-like dessert.
I truly believe that these are the best healthy treats available, and I hope you’ve found some options on this list that will fit in with your lifestyle well. Like I said earlier, I know that it can feel daunting to create a nutrition plan that meets your body’s needs every day. If you could use an extra hand with your nutrition, my 6 Week Nutrition Guide will get you feeling great and on the path to achieving your goals!