HOW TO CHOOSE HEALTHY SNACKS
We all get the munches! Sometimes diving in to pantry and seeing the snacks packaged with all the right colours and food marketing, which is designed to make you want it, is not a good idea. I am not just referring to how fattening the choice of snack is, but more so how it will effect your energy. A snack is something small you eat between meals to keep your energy levels up. You want to be choosing snacks to give you the best natural energy lift to increase your productivity.
Ideally starting your day with a nutritious breakfast is always recommended. Eggs, healthy smoothies, granola, oats, foods high in protein, etc. Start your day strong and your energy will be more sustained. Generic cereals and toast, are not only loaded with processed sugars and artificial colours/ preservatives, etc, they do not give much energy. The body is hungry for nutrition and needs the vital nutrients to function. If you consume, more processed foods your body will be hungry not long after searching for those vital nutrients.
My go to snack is definitely a banana. The beauty with banana’s is that they are so versatile. Is usually always pack a banana in my bag. They are nutritious and a great source of energy. A perfect pick me up. You want to choose snacks to help keep you productive. The worst thing is binging on junk and having the 3pm slump. If you consume too much sugars and processed food, high in carbohydrates you will most likely feel sluggish and find it hard to concentrate. Fuel the body and brain with nutrition and your productivity will increase.
Nuts ands seeds are great! Get a zip lock bag and fill with your favourite nuts and seeds or buy a natural trail mix. Great fuel for the brain. Be mindful if you have dried fruit in the mix. Sure in moderation, but don’t forget dried fruits contain a lot of sugar. Natural sugar yes, but if you consume enough you will still raise your blood sugar levels to an unhealthy level.
Boiled eggs are also great. Containing 98% protein they are great for brain function. My other favourite is berries. Who doesn’t love berries? Full of antioxidants and vitamins, they are the perfect touch to add that little sweetness to your day. In moderation of course! All snacking should be in moderation.
Try to avoid the mindless snacking. You will tend to consume more then needed. Be mindful with your eating. Stop, stretch and have a snack. Everyone is different and has different snacking requirements. Some people don’t snack and are happy to eat just the 3 or less meals a day. And the on other side there are the grazers, who need to eat regularly to keep energy levels up. If you are a grazer, consider splitting your meals to six smaller meals a day. There is no rule on how often or when to eat. Listen to your body and be intuitive. For millions of years we have lived innately and eaten what is needed. It is only since the western world has created convenience and highly processed foods that we have these addictions. Eat as natural as possible and be guilt free. Plan your meals and snack and see what works best for you.
With the beauty of the internet, there is an abundance of healthy recipes out there. There is also plenty of healthier options at the supermarkets more now then ever. Healthy snacks are trending, just be aware of the big price tags. Keep it simple, or buy those fancy fa-fa beans. Do what makes you happy.
