Choosing healthy whole foods as snacks instead of refined carbohydrates (like cake and cookies) has positive health benefits and helps maintain energy throughout the day, says Medical News Today.
Some people may not need a snack in between meals, but for those who do, it’s wise to make nutritious choices. So, here’s a list of eight tasty and healthy snacks to boost your energy:
Nuts. Plain, unsalted, unflavoured nuts are healthy and have a variety of health benefits. They are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and their protein and fibre content help us maintain long-lasting energy levels.
Kale chips. A fiber-rich snack that can help to maintain energy levels. If you’re craving the potato chips, try kale chips instead as they are packed with fibre, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Greek yogurt and berries. Adding blueberries or raspberries to a serving of Greek yogurt makes for a really nutritious snack. On top of being protein-rich and low-calorie, Greek yogurt is also good for your health because it provides healthy bacteria for the digestive tract. Berries, in turn, are loaded with antioxidants.
Hummus with carrot or celery sticks. Paired with vegetables, hummus is a nutritious way to obtain your recommended daily servings of legumes. Made from chickpeas, hummus is highly nutritious and packed with plant-based protein to help you maintain balanced energy levels. For added nutrients, enjoy dipping raw carrots or celery sticks into hummus.
Boiled eggs. Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, eggs provide essential nutrients, including zinc, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin E - nutrients which may be deficient in many people with a Western diet.
Seaweed. It contains comparable amounts of protein and amino acids to beef when compared gram for gram. It's also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. By eating seaweed snacks, you also benefit from the algae’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits.
Fresh coconut. This healthy snack may help reduce cholesterol, manage weight, and reduce cognitive decline. Eat fresh coconut after you exercise or to avoid hunger pangs, and don’t forget to drink the water inside which is a source of electrolytes that replenishes minerals after a workout.
Edamame beans. These are the young soybeans that farmers harvest before they have ripened. Fibre and protein-rich edamame beans make good snacks to maintain energy levels.