Healthy Snack Ideas to help you Lose Weight

A snack or two has always been a sneaky way to get those unwanted pounds. But after all we’re just humans and there’s no sense being healthy when we can’t enjoy the simple things in life. The problem with snacks is when we limit ourselves to sweet and salty treats. Healthy foods need not be boring and there are a lot of healthy options available.

So the next time you find yourself marching to the kitchen for a quick snack, here are some of the healthiest treats you shouldn’t miss.

RYE KERNEL BREAD

The term Glycaemic Index refers to the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Foods low in carbohydrates for example releases energy slowly. Carbohydrate rich foods on the other hand release energy quickly. This is why people suffering from unstable blood sugar levels are advised to take a low carbohydrate ding set.

Rye kernel bread has a lower Glycaemic Index compared to white or brown bread. But you wouldn’t consider a slice bread to be a satisfying snack. To make this more appetizing, add a thin slice of peanut butter. It does not only make your snack more satisfying but it also enhance the GI lowering properties of the snack. The fat and protein and fat in peanut butter further slow carbohydrate digestion.

Honey which is a rich source of fructose could also be added to this concoction to make it healthier. Medical studies have shown that fructose effectively controls blood sugar levels. Fructose has a lower Glycaemic Index compared to other carbohydrates which include table sugar (sucrose).

Other benefits of peanut butter include its ability to lower risks for heart disease. Peanut butter contains phytochemical resveratrol that promotes a healthy heart. It also has cancer fighting properties and can even lower cholesterol levels.

HEALTHY CRACKERS WITH TOMATO And AVOCADO

Reaching out for a cracker will always be a convenient way to grab a snack. Instead of salty crackers trade this with fiber rich wholegrain crackers. Fiber rich foods are necessary for maintaining healthy bowel movement and digestion. More importantly, fiber reduces your risks for developing colon cancer.

Check your crackers for vitamin and mineral content. Some healthy crackers contain these nutrients making them not only a convenient snack but also healthy.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent snack choices. Avocados in particular help lower cholesterol levels. It is also rich in antioxidants that lower your risk for cancers. It is an excellent detoxifier, helping remove toxins and impurities from your body. Avocado contains vitamin B6, C, E and potassium. It is a natural source of Omega 3, an essential fatty acid that helps maintain a healthy heart.

Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene which is known for its antioxidant properties. It is a powerful free radical scavenger that greatly reduces risks for developing serious chronic diseases and cancer. Although the exact cause of cancer is not known, free radicals in particular believed to play a great part in the development of cancer. It is also rich in Vitamin E, C and helps keeps your skin looking young and healthy.

VEGETABLE SNACKS (CARROT, CELERY, TOMATOES)

Vegetables will always come on top when it comes to healthy food choices. It has so many benefits that you can’t go wrong with vegetables. Generally, vegetables are rich in fiber.

Let’s start with carrots. It’s rich in beta carotene that helps keep our hearts healthy and prevent many types of cancer including lung cancer. It guards us against food poisoning and lowers blood cholesterol.

Celery is a good source of potassium. It has a diuretic effect, can help control blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory effects.

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