Eating a quick snack is a perfect way to combat hunger in between meals. Most of us prefer snacks that are easy to pack into our bags and eat on the go so we can stay productive throughout the day. We adequately fuel our bodies and keep our energy levels up by choosing the right foods. Below, we’ve listed four tips for creating healthy and delicious snacks that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Choose Your Ingredients Wisely
Balancing macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) is crucial for creating snacks that satisfy hunger and support overall health. Eating simple carbs, such as white bread, is ideal when you need quick energy. However, it will not keep you full for long. On the other hand, natural fats and proteins promote feelings of fullness but take longer for the body to break down.
Consider options such as an apple with peanut butter or Greek yogurt topped with berries when making your snack. These options offer a balance of nutrients that will keep you satisfied and energized for longer periods.
Eat Foods You Enjoy
Avoid forcing yourself to eat foods you don’t enjoy as doing so will only lead to dissatisfaction and a higher chance of reaching for unhealthy snacks later. For example, one of the best ways to add cocoa to your everyday diet is to add cocoa powder to your smoothies if you love chocolate. You can also chop up dark chocolate and add it to homemade granola, trail mix, or overnight oats.
Keep Portion Control in Mind
While snacking can be part of a healthy diet, controlling your portion sizes is essential to prevent overeating. Understanding what a proper portion looks like and sticking to it can help you maintain a balanced caloric intake.
All food has a different portion size, so review the nutritional information listed on packaged food carefully to know the exact serving size. You can also purchase pre-packaged, single-serve snacks or use measuring cups to ensure your portions adhere to proper serving sizes to avoid overeating.
Prepare Snacks in Advance
The final tip for creating healthy and delicious snacks is to plan and prepare them beforehand. Having ready-to-eat snacks can prevent you from reaching for less healthy options when hunger strikes. Simple, quick recipes, such as cut-up vegetables with hummus, homemade trail mix, or overnight oats, can save time and ensure you always have something nutritious to snack on.
Planning your snacks makes it easier to ensure they are nutritionally dense and balanced so you enjoy what you eat and feel full and energized throughout the day.
