Snacking can get a bad rep when it comes to focusing on healthy eating habits. The biggest misconception, however, is that snacking equates to being unhealthy. Snacking can be incredibly helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day, increased energy between meals, and even more benefits. Read on to learn more about the benefits of snacking, what snacks to choose for a healthy gut, and more.
Benefits of Healthy Snacking
The average American eats 2.2 snacks per day and can consume up to a quarter of their total calories from snacks. This means that within these two small meals, we are not only consuming more calories that turn into energy for our day, but we also consume a number of important nutrients and vitamins. If you are an active individual, snacking after vigorous exercise can also help with muscle repair, blood sugar, and replenish energy sources. As long as you choose the right kinds of foods for snacking, a morning and afternoon snack could be an incredibly beneficial addition to your daily food intake.
Favorite Low Fat Snacking Options
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Dark Chocolate
This isn’t a drill. While this doesn’t include milk or white chocolate, chocolate that is 70% cocoa or higher can be incredibly beneficial for your gut health, It can satiate your hunger. It is filled with healthy antioxidants, and can be a major part of a bigger concoction like an almond milk smoothie.
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Mango
Mangos are not only delicious but good for your tummy and filling too. Mangos are filled with vitamin k, vitamin c, and beta- carotene. This can also help with health issues such as anemia, high blood pressure, and heart inflammation.
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Tumeric Muffins
Another antioxidant rich snack sure to fill you up. Turmeric is a great ingredient that aids not only in gut health, but also boosts immunity and gives a unique, spicy flavor to your favorite treats. Find a delicious recipe here.
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Banana with Almond Butter
A very simple yet satisfying snack with natural sugars, protein, carbs and fats to fill you during snack time, a banana with almond butter is the perfect snack. Cut it into 1 inch slices and add ¼ teaspoon to each sliver.
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No Bake Energy Balls
These tasty morsels are perfect for the mid afternoon slump. Packed with healthy carbs, a note of sweetness and a combination of healthy fats and protein, make a batch ahead of time and pop a few in after that 3:00 PM slump hits. The recipe is below:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- ½ cup of ground flax seeds
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup of mini dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup of organic peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Mix the following ingredients in a bowl, lay them on a cookie sheet in bite size balls, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Voila! – your own no-bake-energy snacks.
If you are experiencing any dietary concerns or if you are struggling with gastrointestinal issues, our CCMH Physicians want to help improve your quality of life! Make an appointment today: ccmhhealth.com/providers.
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Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
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Sources:
https://mattheweidem.com/7-gut-healthy-snacks/
https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/expert-health-articles/the-benefits-to-healthy-snacks
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-mango#1
https://mayihavethatrecipe.com/ginger-pear-turmeric-muffins/