Healthy Snacks to Keep You on Track
By Stephen R. Farris
Let's face it. When it comes to snacking and trying to stay within your healthy eating range, it can be a little tricky sometimes, especially if you keep tossing coins in vending machines to snag that last bag of chips or candy bar. Long story short, you're defeating the purpose, your goal, of a more nutritious diet.
To make matters worse, your beverage of choice is still a can or bottle of soda. After finishing up your snack, it's back to feeling guilty and making a new goal of getting back on track. It's not easy and nobody said it would be, but it's up to you if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So when it comes to snacking between meals, choose wisely.
On the bright side, there are numerous choices available when it comes to snacks that you might not have thought of. Some of them have been hidden in plain sight and chances are you may have a few already in your pantry.
Popcorn
That's correct, popcorn. It's high in fiber too. Just remember to nix the fattening butter and leave off the salt. If you want a little extra flavor to make it not so bland, try misting it with some olive oil spray or add some of your favorite fresh herbs and spices.
Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios contain healthy fats. We need healthy fats in our diet to help keep our cholesterol levels where they need to be, or lower them if they're too high. If buying them from the store, read the label to make sure there are no added sugars or that they're not high in sodium content either. Like the saying goes, fresh is better!
Homemade Chips
Store bought or homemade chips? Homemade should win every time, as making them yourself is a lot healthier than buying those in a bag that have been highly processed. There are many different ways to make homemade chips. You can go the traditional route with potatoes (regular or sweet varieties), or with zucchini and/or butternut squash to name several. On top of those choices, add a dash of fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
To find out more about your nutritional goals and starting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, talk with your local chiropractor to see what tips and suggestions they can offer to help you get there.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sugar Hill, Ga.