Tasty little treats for those in-between times
Our daily lives are often stressful, with lots to do and lots of places to be – and that’s when the hunger bug can hit. As we go through the day, hunger will rear its head, and we’ll reach for this or that tasty little morsel. Whether we’re at work, studying, or on the move. We may sometimes be tempted by other people to have a bite to eat – or we might just do it out of habit. And we’ll often find ourselves reaching for a snack when we’re relaxing at home in front of the TV or just bored. Little treats between meals will titillate the taste buds, so we let ourselves have them as a reward.
Say goodbye to hunger pangs!
We’ve all been there: Out of nowhere we suddenly get this totally strong urge for salty, sweet, fatty, or carb-rich food. There they are again – those bothersome hunger pangs! To stave off sudden hunger pangs and the unhealthy dietary or comfort eating habits that will often follow in their wake, snacks between meals should be balanced and nutritious. But is reaching for snacks necessary – or even good for us? The answer is yes!
Especially when things are hectic, we often forget how important it is to provide our body with delicious treats between meals. At such more demanding moments it’s a good idea to eat balanced and nutritious snacks between our regular meals to allow the body to sufficiently recharge its batteries. And the odd tasty morsel between meals will also lift our mood. But the rule of thumb here too is this: Enjoy in moderation!
Smart snacking – why you should treat yourself to healthy tidbits
The good news – yes! – is that not all snacks are unhealthy! But it’s important to make a conscious choice for balanced treats. Good snacks will help you still those hunger pangs without sacrificing your healthy eating habits. But there are other reasons to snack healthily too:
- We need nutrients: The body needs vitamins, minerals, fiber, and proteins. Healthy snacks can deliver important nutrients that will help us maintain a balanced diet.
- Give me energy! Snacking keeps our energy levels nice and even, helping us to regulate our blood sugar in the process. This will head off unnecessary hunger pangs.
- I’m full! Snacks rich in dietary fiber and protein will keep us feeling full for longer.
- Healthy lifestyle: Fruit, vegetables, nuts, or wholewheat products contain lots of healthy ingredients that have a positive impact on our health and allow us to cultivate healthier dietary habits. This can reduce the risk of diet-related illness.
- Eating makes you happy: Eating healthy snacks between meals has a significant effect on our mood. Their high nutrient content is important for the brain and can boost our general sense of wellbeing into the bargain.
Compared to protein- and fiber-rich snacks, carb-heavy and sugary snacks like chocolate or cereal bars can noticeably raise our blood sugar level. The consequence is that we won’t feel as full for as long. So, which healthy snacks are best?
Perfect snack ideas for every taste
- Proteins as a power pack: Foods with a higher content of high-value proteins, such as boiled eggs, cottage cheese, or legumes such as lentils or chickpeas don’t just keep us fit but will also satisfy our hunger for longer.
- The ideal mix of nuts: Not only are nuts rich in protein, but all types of nut like walnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are also bursting with healthy fats.
- Fresh fruit for the sweet-toothed: Seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, or berries...and the list just goes on! Add in some yoghurt, and you have the ideal snack for between meals.
- Vegetables – full of vitamins and flavor: Delicious vegetable sticks like carrots, cucumber, pepper, and celery etc. Read our blog article entitled “The Power of Green Food” to find out why green vegetables are so very good for us.
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An unbeatable combination of a healthy snack and the right sauce: When added to your veggie sticks, sauces like guacamole, hummus, or curd cheese will round off your snack to perfection.
- For real bar lovers: Home-made cereal bars or energy balls are the ideal snack for when you’re out and about.
- A crispy piece of heaven: Crispbread, rice cakes, or corn cakes aren’t just fabulously crispy but also go perfectly with healthy sides like curd cheese or vegetables to make a light snack.
- A great source of fiber: Wholewheat products like wholewheat bread, crackers, or rice will keep your hunger at bay for longer because they are rich in dietary fiber.
- Smoothies – liquid pleasure: Home-made vegetable or fruit smoothies offer you a quick way to get your intake of many nutrients all at once.
The next time you get those hunger pangs and catch yourself wanting to reach for a snack, think of our delicious AMC snack ideas and cook them up at home!
