What would believe to be the best healthy snack for your body? Would you believe that it is the blueberry? The blueberry is chalk full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and cancer fighting agents. It's colorful, all natural and a very healthy alternative for the usual unhealthy binging-type snacks such as potato chips or peanuts. How can the average person get more blueberries into their diet without eating them by the bushel? I have a few favorite snacks that I began adding blueberries to that you may also find to be as delicious as I do.
One of my favorites is throwing in a handful in my low-fat vanilla yogurt for that extra flavor and chewing satisfaction. I also enjoy them mixed with granola cereal or mixed in with some trail mix. I love pancakes so on the weekends, I put blueberries in the batter for a delicious and satisfying breakfast. And yes, I do grab handfuls of blueberries on the fly as I think they taste magnific all by themselves.
But, what if you really didn't care for blueberries? Are there some similar alternatives that will give me the same benefit that the blueberry will? Actually, yes there are. Do you like strawberries? How about raspberries or blackberries? Red grapes would also work in a pinch.
If you're just not into the berry family at all, apples can also become a good alternative. They don't have as many of the micro-nutrients that berries do but they do offer a lot of other benefits like lowering your cholesterol, aide in preventing Alzheimer's, could help prevent many kinds of cancer such as breast, colon and lung cancer. The apple is also only 80 calories and a great source of fiber as long as you eat the skin.
Vegetables are also a great snack source so I can't leave that out of the loop. Raw veggie's are best because you will get 100% of the nutrients they provide. The longer you cook your vegetables, the more the nutrients are "cooked" out. I enjoy raw carrots and broccoli dipped in ranch dressing regularly. When I entertain at my house, you will always find a platter of cut raw vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and snap peas with a side of dressing for dipping. It's just not a party without it.
What if you're like a lot of people and don't enjoy the preparation time it takes to chop up veggies especially if you're in a hurry. Well, another great snack alternative is almonds. A handful of almonds will satisfy a hunger pang and also prevent over-eating later on. They are a fabulous heart-healthy nut that will also cure your craving for something crunchy. Be wary of your portion size however because almonds can really put your calorie intake to an all time high for the day if you're eating them mindlessly. In staying with the "nut" family, peanuts are a good snack as well but only in moderation as these too are very high in calorie. I enjoy spreading natural peanut or almond butter on celery for a special and very filling treat.
Have you ever had a frozen chocolate banana? I dip my banana in dark chocolate (for the most antioxidant benefit) and place in the freezer for about an hour or so. Now that is yummy and healthy for you.
Are you a huge meat eater? Well, for the meat lover's out there, thinly sliced turkey or lean ham wrapped in a light cheese is so good and filling especially if you are on a low-carb diet. I add lettuce as a wrap alternative with tomato and mayo and a side of raw veggies to complete the ensemble. I could eat this sort of stuff all day long and never feel bored.
Healthy snacking does not mean boring, tasteless, and deprivation. There are so many ways to take a healthy food and turn it into something you can indulge in day after day. You just need a little imagination and ingenuity to change your unhealthy snacking habits into a well-rounded tasty and healthy new lifestyle.
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