How to Make These Favorite Snacks a Little Healthier
By Genevieve Cunningham
Who doesn't love a good snack? Even if you're not terribly hungry, grabbing a snack is satisfying. We tend to reach for snacks at all hours of the night and day. We do it between meals, when we're bored, and sometimes in the middle of the night. The problem is that many snacks aren't particularly healthy. They're calorie-ridden, fatty, and convenient. Luckily, we can satisfy our need for snacks without harming our health. How? We make our snacks a little healthier! If you would like to enjoy your favorite snacks without the guilt, take a look at these healthy tricks to start today.
Chips
Chips just aren't healthy. They're delicious and the crunch is satisfying, but they're absolutely not a healthy option. Luckily, you can satisfy a crunchy, salty craving in a slightly healthier way. If you're really set on chips, consider buying the baked options. These have slightly less fat and fewer calories. They're still not the best snack, but they're a step in the right direction. Or if you're willing to change it up a little, consider some popcorn -- cooked the old fashioned way in a skillet with a little olive oil. Popcorn is mostly fiber, and if you go easy on the toppings, you can enjoy quite a bit with very little ill effect.
Sweets
Sweets are delicious. They satisfy a sweet tooth that we all have but try to ignore. They give us a little boost of energy. But we all know that sweet food isn't a healthy option -- especially for a midday snack! Instead of reaching for a candy bar or sugary granola treat, consider grabbing some fruit. Fruit gives you that little bit of sweetness without the excessive sugar or the massive calories. Or if you want something a little more traditionally sweet, you can make your own sweet treat using a healthier sugar alternative. You can definitely have sweet treats and still be healthy, but you'll have to be deliberate about your choices in order to do it.
Junk Food
Sometimes, we just want junk food, and here's the good news: On occasion, it's OK to allow yourself a little junk. Choose your favorite chips, the chocolate, the soda, or whatever makes you happy. Just make sure that these snacks happen once in a while -- not every day. If you allow yourself a cheat snack a few times per month, you'll satisfy the craving without doing damage to your health. Everything in moderation is the key, and enjoying these snacks is not any different. Enjoy, and then get back on track.
Snacking can make a big difference in your diet and in your health. Too many bad snacks can lead to weight gain and low energy. But consuming good, healthy snacks can help you reach your health goals. Use these tips to keep your snacking menu healthy, and reach your health and wellness goals faster than ever.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.