My Favorite Snacking Options

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I will be honest, I happen to love snacks way more than regular meals. But looks like I am not alone. As a society, we eat twice as many snacks as we did a generation ago. Women, on average, nosh on upwards of 400 snack calories per day, according to federal survey data. And men consume almost 600 calories a day in between meals. 

However, snacking has always been a controversial topic as for years experts debated about the advantages and disadvantages of eating between meals. Over the years we have realized that not eating for three or four hours can often cause our energy levels to drop, leaving us feeling tired both mentally and physically. Snacking used to be a hurdle in my healthy eating until I figured out there are healthy snack options out there. Today in collaboration with Harvest Snaps, I am sharing some of my favorite go-to snacks which fill me up, refuel after exercise and do not hinder my healthy eating. 

 

Almonds

Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. The health benefits of almonds include lower blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. They can also reduce hunger and promote weight loss, provided you have no more than a fist full. Moderation is key.

Popcorn

Air-popped and eaten plain, popcorn is a healthy whole grain food that is low in calories (about 30 calories per cup) and high in fibre (about 1g per cup). According to USDA MyPlate guidelines, 3 cups of popped popcorn counts as one serving from the grains group.

 

Dates / Date Spread over fruit

Sugar and calories. While most fiber-rich foods aid in weight loss, dates aren't a low-calorie food. Dates are high carbohydrate and sugar content. But the silver lining is that dates are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy without refined, added sugar.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Greek yogurt is creamy, with less sugar. It is a nutrient-packed snack that has many health benefits such as a great recovery food, contains B12, has protein, calcium and probiotics (good bacteria that help keep your gut healthy). Added with a fruit and muesli can be a fibrous filling option.

 

Harvest Snaps

Saving the best for the last is Harvest Snaps. I had discovered them last year and in no time they became my favorite go-to snack option. As a health conscious foodie I am always excited to find alternatives which are delicious and in sync with my lifestyle. Harvest Snaps veggie crisps are the real deal - made from wholesome green peas, red lentils or black beans, straight from the farm and baked into pure snack perfection. With nine deliciously crispy varieties, Harvest Snaps better-for-you veggie crisps empower you to enjoy snacking again without feeling guilty!

 

Harvest Snaps are a source of plant-based protein, they are gluten-free (except Tomato Basil), and convenient to nosh upon. They are deliciously crunchy veggie crisps, made from high quality ingredients, and are available in nine flavors! While my favorite flavors are Black Pepper, Lightly Salted and Mango Chile Lime (in that order), they also have two NEW flavors, Parmesan Roasted Garlic and White Cheddar! Be sure to check them out at the Harvest Snaps near you.

Last but not the least, Harvest Snaps while doing great things for our bodies is also helping our communities by participating in the Kids360 program. To learn more about Kids 360, visit www.kids360charity.com

In order to thrive, our bodies need a wide range of minerals and nutrients throughout the day. Getting all of those minerals and nutrients in three square meals can be difficult, particularly if we’re not preparing our own meals.

Snacking can help shore up the amount of minerals and nutrients in our diets. The key is to make sure your snacks actually have the nutrients you need. That means avoiding unhealthy snacks and opting for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

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I shopped at my local ShopRite. Find Harvest Snaps in the produce section.