5 OF THE MOST HEALTHIEST TREATS THAT YOU CAN SNACK ON WHILE STAYING FIT

Aside from being tasty, nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Many studies also suggest that despite their higher calorie and fat content, eating nuts in moderation may help you lose weight.

Nuts are an ideal nutritious snack as it can provide the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. 

How To Make Trail Mix? Pick a variety of nutrition nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and sunflower seeds. Mix in unsweetened (or naturally sweetened) dried fruit like dried apricots, cherries, cranberries, raisins, blueberries, mangos, raisins, dried bananas,... for variety in texture and flavor. Enjoy whenever your teeth feel like munching on something! 

• For the Savory mix-ins – Add in roasted chickpeas, roasted soy beans, lentils, popcorn or even chopped jerky.

• For the Sweet mix-ins – Add in coconut flakes, cereal, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips but be careful 

Image Credit: Made In A Pinch 

2. Dark Chocolate 

A small serving of dark chocolate is loaded with energy-boosting nutrients like magnesium and iron, and many researches suggest dark chocolate may play a role in controlling appetite, which could help with weight loss. 

In conclusion, it might be a healthier sweet to eat than other sugary treats as long as you keep it dark rather than sweetened. 

How To Make Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries? Rinse your strawberries in cool water, pat them dry using a towel or paper without removing the stems. Use a microwave or double-boil method to melt the chocolate. Insert the skewer into the top of the berry, then dip the fruit into your melted chocolate. Place the berry on the wax paper and let it dry at room temperature or place in the refrigerator for a quick harden. Cover them in chopped nuts or some coconut flakes for an even tastier, healthier treat. 

Image Credit: Delish 

3. Kale 

Kale is loaded with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, K, folate and zeaxanthin. 

A leafy green like kale is also a good source of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus. Moreover, kale is also very low in calories, making it one of the most healthy items to grab as a snack whenever you want. 

How To Make Baked Kale Chips? Wash and dry the kale, then remove the stems and tear the kale into smaller pieces. Massage the kale with oil and your seasonings of choice, transfer them to the baking sheets. After 15 minutes in the oven, stir gently and bake a little longer. Allowing the kale chips to rest on the baking sheets once outside the oven will help them crisp up even more.

Image Credit: Hungry Girl 

4. Cottage Cheese 

Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and has long been a favorite among athletes and people trying to watch their weight. Described to have a mild and fresh, and a little bit of a sweeter taste, when enjoying it with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable oils – can be highly effective for your weight loss journey, and it also serves as a great and healthy snack.

How To Make Lemon Cottage Cheesecake Bars? Blend crackers, sugar, cinnamon and butter in a food processor until well mixed. Press the mixture down onto parchment paper and bake until just golden. In a food processor, blend cottage cheese until smooth, add sugar, baking powder, flour, egg, egg white, lemon zest, and lemon juice and continue to process until well mixed. Pour filling over cooled, prepared crust, add in blueberries. Bake for 25 - 40 minutes until set. Cool outside for about an hour, chill 4 hours inside the fridge before serving.

Image Credit: Taste of Home 

5. Veggies and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits have always been known as one of the healthiest snacks that can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check and promote weight loss. 

So when you feel like munching on something, always keep the veggies and fruits near the reach of your hand. 

How To Make Healthy Hummus Veggies and Fruit Dip?  Add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, garlic, and salt to a high-speed blender, and process until smooth. As you blend, add more water, as needed, to reach your desired consistency. You can choose to spice it up by adding in ground cumin and/or coriander. For an extra-lemony, herbaceous dip version, add in pesto. In case you prefer it sweet and smoky to dip your favorite fruit, feel free to add in baked sweet potato, maple syrup, and a big pinch of chili powder. 

Image Credit: Healthline 

Credit:

Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA (Healthline) 

Women’s Health 

Everyday Health 

Havard Edu 

Divya Jacob, Pharm. D. (Medicine Net) 

Eating Bird Food 

Tablespoon Kitchen

Shamrock Fams