No matter how you want to resist it, there will be times where we need to have a tea break.
Those days where we are busier than usual demands more of our energy, and this is where we can make a better choice.
I know, when you’re busy making a healthier choice for snacks can be quite the challenge. Since there’s limitless choices on the supermarket shelves that can give us our quick fix.
Yet – reaching for these sweet treats just because they’re quick and easy can do us more harm than good.
Prepare these for Your Health
When I’m working actively trying to regain my health back. Looking for healthier snacks became on of my focus. Carefully minding what I put into my mouth just because I wasn’t able to go without until the next meal.
I learned that the healthier snacks are those we can make ourselves, controlling what we eat.
Here are some of my favorite, go-to snacks that I always try to stock up on.
Let this be your guide to delicious and nutritious on-the-go options to help you achieve your health goals as well!
Marinated Soft-Boiled Eggs
These are definitely my favorite snack, eggs are protein-rich and these always help add more protein to my diet. Just Marinade Soft Boiled Eggs in soy sauce, garlic, and onions, leave them in the chiller overnight to soak up those delicious flavor.
Eggs are low in calorie, and keeps me satiated in between meals. When I do need to snack these ready-made are easy to pack on the go.
Alternate these with soft-boiled egg without the marinade to help control sodium intake 😉
Individual Nut Packs
Do you know Nuts such as Almonds, Cashew and Walnuts are loaded in healthy fats and packed in protein? This makes them healthy choice of snack you can opt for.
There’s benefit from them being individually packed to help us control the portion size. As the fat content of nuts are quite high and it’s easy to overeat them.
Steam/Roasted Chickpeas
Chick Pea is another good source of plant protein. They’re easy to store so I usually stock up on them on the ready.
Soak 1 cup of chick peas in water overnight, and toss into the rice cooker with double the amount of water and some salt. These will turn out soft and easier to chew.
Alternatively you can roast them after soaking for a crispier texture.
Canned Tuna In Water
I usually have these in stock in my pantry, a canned food may not be the healthiest choice but canned tuna can be!
Check the label, my go to choice are those with water and some salt, that’s it.
Tuna are rich in healthy fats such as DHA a EPA, and also high in protein. Another options to consider when I need to meet the day’s Protein macro.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
I used to avoid Yogurt as I’m quite intolerant to lactose. But yogurt shouldn’t be on the NO list. The probiotic cultures partially breakdown these lactose sugar and actually is beneficial for our gut.
Go for Greek Yogurt, which differs from Normal Yogurt. I’m saying this because they are made by straining milk, and have a higher protein content.
And remember to check the label and opt for “No Added Sugar”. This is critical if you’re watching sugar intake.
I suggest topping Plain Greek Yogurt with some berries for some natural sweetness. Yogurt can be quite tangy when you’re not used to it.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes, they taste sweet, are low in calorie, and has a low GI. Pop a few of them into your mouth could curb the Craving real quick.
They’re packed with nutrients to help meet our daily needs.
Not just as a quick snack, I would add these to my meals to for extra sweetness without the guilt.
One of the suggestion I have if you’re not keen on the taste of these is to start with those that are ripe.
Then you can gradually get yourself used to the flavor, soon it’s just like popping grapes!
DIY Trail Mix
Ready Packed Nuts and seeds are always available, yet making your own isn’t at all difficult.
When buying larger packs and mixing them your own you can potential save up on quite a lot.
I strongly believe the effort placed into preparing your own food, including snacks, is a healthy habit to cultivate.
Used jar and container also helping with reducing plastic waste.
Homemade Okonomiyaki
This one would require a bit of prep time, this one is definitely worth making. Okonomiyaki is a Japanese Savory Pancake made with Cabbage as the main ingredient.
When I started out on my own health journey, this has helped me increase my veggie intake.
They’re super filling and having these as main meal can even sustain me in-between meals.
This is especially important if you’re trying out Intermittent Fasting. Increase Fiber Intake from veggies, and make sure you’re eating enough protein for supply for the body’s need.
Chia Seeds Mixed into Drinks
Are you looking to increase fiber intake but not a big fan of healthy green veggies…yet?
You might wanna look into taking Chia Seeds, which is really impressive for what it can do.
Chia seeds are packed in fiber, healthy omega-3 fat, and protein. See why they’re branded as a superfood now?
I add a spoonful of them into drinks, let them puff up and turn into a jelly like mini pearl and drink up.
Though, when starting out with increasing fiber intake, its good to go slow. Increasing your fiber intake too fast could cause some discomfort from indigestion.
Also remember to Hydrate more, as fiber absorbs liquid in the intestine. Which helps them perform their task of improving digestion.
Whole Fruits
There’s no reason to avoid fruits altogether just because they’re high in sugar. Whole fruits like banana and apple are rich in natural sugar.
While overeating them will spike our insulin, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach, having a banana after meal would be beneficial for our overall health.
Moderation is such a good philosophy to have when eating something.
Smoothies without Sugar Added
Specifically what I’m saying here is increasing protein intake, again…
Whether it is made from blending Greek yogurt and banana or using commercial protein powder.
A smoothies is a great snack that can provide sustained energy to our body. They can also be nutrient dense to supply the body’s need.
Adding some greens into a yogurt and berry smoothie and you’ll barely notice the veggie taste.
Protein Shakes
These are the quicker version of home prepped smoothies. While they’re crucial for those looking to put on muscles and improving gains from workout session. Having them can also help you meet your daily intake quota with some convenience and ease.
They are low in carbs, high in protein (of course!) and might be just the thing to kick off those nasty cravings you’re having near dinner time.
Additional Tips
Reading the labels
Try to cultivate a healthy habit of checking food labels when purchasing. Watch out for added sugar and sodium content when buying packaged snacks and food.
Having a general idea of what macro contributes to the total calories can help you create a healthier eating habits.
Are they mostly from the added sugar? Or from just Carbs and Fats? Does these contribute to my daily protein intake amount?
Don’t forget Fiber too, these are sometimes not mentioned, but you can estimate them from calculating the Total Carb minus its sugar content.
Portion Control
These may be healthy snacks choices, but eating a lot of them and the healthy benefits won’t do you any good. Once again, Moderation in all things.
This is why nuts (being calorie dense from its fat content) that comes with small packaging can help watch our total intake. Don’t reach for another pack!
Sufficient Hydration
Water up. Depending on your activity levels, the old adage of 8 cups of water a day / drink 2 Liter of water a day is still relevant.
They body needs sufficient fluid to run efficiently. Also something dehydration could the the culprit behind your cravings for snacks in the first place.
Having a water bottle along with me is my best way to drink up all the time.
Conclusion
With some planning and efforts, the path toward your healthy goals is definitely another step closer.
Conquering cravings in but one aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, but every steps towards the ultimate goal is a success itself!
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