Healthy snacks that will make you bin your junk food

Regardless of your age, resisting unhealthy foods when you are hit by a snack attack can make a huge difference to your health. The good news is that choosing healthier food is more enjoyable in the long run. And by changing just a few eating habits you can make a big difference to your lifestyle.

These are the health benefits you will enjoy when you ditch those unhealthy snacks:

Controlling weight by snacking regularly and healthily

Avoiding hunger pangs increases the likelihood that you’ll choose a healthy snack such as fruit over something packed with empty calories like a doughnut. It will also prevent you from overeating. Many nutritionists recommend that we eat small meals every three to five hours. This keeps your metabolism revved up and helps to normalise blood sugar levels.

Other tricks are to stock up with healthy food only and not go grocery shopping when you are hungry so that you are not tempted to buy junk food to satisfy a craving. Fruit, vegetables and nuts are packed with nutrients like fibre and protein that your body needs. These foods also prevent sugar highs and lows so you won’t be tempted to succumb to your sweet tooth.

Energy, mood and brain boosters

Healthy snacks are like a slow-burning fuel that keeps you going all day. Eating healthy snacks like carrot sticks help to banish the post-meal sleepiness that tends to occur from consuming too many calories in one sitting.

Processed carbohydrates like white bread and cookies lift our mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. However, this quick high tends to be followed by a sharp crash. Natural foods like fruit, whole grains and vegetables boost serotonin without the roller-coaster effect.

Healthy heart and mind with Omega-3

Snacks that contain Omega-3 fatty acids are said to be good for your heart as well as your mind. Tuna, salmon and walnuts help fight high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and anxiety. The effects of Omega-3 are also being studied in relation to other health conditions such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Healthy nibbles that are so good, you will not miss your junk snacks

There are lots of healthier versions of your favourite junk snacks. Just don’t be taken in by their fat or sugar-filled family members:

• Popcorn
  Opt for the healthier versions that are air-popped and 98 percent fat-free. If you choose plain popcorn, it’s fine to add a little drizzle of butter, as this is still better than the full-fat brands where the amount of fat is beyond your control. But better still, ditch the butter and add a sprinkle of paprika for pep.
  
  
• Cereal
  Choose healthy, wholegrain, high-fibre cereals like oatmeal that are good for your heart, figure and overall wellbeing. Swap full fat milk for skimmed milk.
  
  
• Yoghurt
  Go for Greek or plain yoghurt without added sugar. Add fresh fruit for a truly healthy yet delicious snack.
  
  
• Raw vegetables and fruit
  When peckish, reach for vegetables like carrots or cucumber sticks, and edamame. Fruit is also a great choice. These are all packed with vitamins, antioxidants and fibre — healthy and yummy! Just watch the dressing, as this can often be full of fat and sodium. If you do use dressing, stick to a light option like balsamic vinaigrette.
  
  
• Nuts and seeds
  Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and sunflower seeds are good examples of healthy-heart food. Among other things, they are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats and fibre. Go for the unsalted variety to control your sodium intake and eat them raw instead of roasted for fewer calories.

Now you can snack your way to a healthier you. However, do remember that with all food, even healthy ones, moderation is always the key.