How to Snack Smartly for Optimum Health
By Sabine Dorothy Docteur
Snacking smartly is a necessary action in any drive to getting healthier. The reason for this is because snacking is so easy. I know that it does not take much for me to put a piece of chocolate chips cookies in my mouth and for it to quickly increase to five cookies. It is easy to cheat on a previously set diet menu while snacking because we negate the effects that snacks can have on our nutrition.
Snacks are often small, but when many are eaten, the effects add up and can show up on our hips. We cannot say that it necessarily has a silent effect because I know where the calories come from and I remember eating quite a few -- enough to actually tip my scale. Snacking does not have to be detrimental to our health if we make smart choices. Take a look at a few great snacks, their great benefits, and how to incorporate them into our diet as we aim at better nutrition.
Greek Yogurt
The significance of plain Greek yogurt is the fact that it is a versatile snack. Fruits and other toppings can be added to it to make the taste that you desire. A staple favorite are all types of berries: blueberries, black berries, strawberries. Berries are full of antioxidants which make this combination an even heathier snack.
Apple Slices
As a fruit, apples themselves, have many benefits. They are high in fiber and polyphenol antioxidants. These elements make it a prime contributor to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease. There are different ways this great fruit can be eaten. One of the most popular ways that makes it a filling go-to snack is pairing it with peanut butter. Peanut butter has health benefits of possibly decreasing LDL which is known as the bad cholesterol. All of these qualities make this pair a great option for a nice, balanced snack.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate has been a favorite savory snack choice since the discovery of cocoa and the many possibilities that can be derived from it. Make the better option of choosing dark chocolate because of its health benefits. The flavonols that are found inside of dark chocolate contribute to its ability to reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.
At the end of the day, it's not the snacking that is a bad habit, but it is the bad choices of snacks that cause health effects that are not flattering. Whenever you have a desire to grab a snack, consider the ones we mentioned. These nutritious options will help in weight loss, and ultimately provide positive benefits on your health and wellness journey.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plymouth, Minn.