Healthy Snack Ideas to Help You Lose or Maintain an Ideal Weight

Most people find themselves needing to eat in between meals to make it through the day. Yet, with minimal time, we often find ourselves reaching for something quick that offers very little nutritional value to our diet. Next time you find yourself feeling starved, consider opting for a snack that will not only curb your appetite, but leave you feeling good as well. For instance, consider finding a healthy banana bread recipe, so you can enjoy your snack for multiple days. There are many different recipes, and you would be amazed how a vegan banana bread is very similar to the traditional banana bread in reference to taste. The only difference between the two is the vegan version is not loaded with eggs, milk, or butter.

There are many other healthy snacks you can enjoy if you can not find the time to bake. Consider adding mixed berries to low fat greek yogurt to help curb your sweet tooth. If you are not in the mood for sweets, then red bell peppers paired with guacamole may help curb a salty craving. However, if you are in the need for an energy boost, you may find that mixed nuts or low sodium jerky will suffice. It really is up to you and what mood you are in when you reach for a healthy snack. With so many recipes on the internet, you will certainly find something to suit your taste.

If you love apples, then consider adding a little almond butter to your slice to get a little extra protein to help you make it through the day. Peanut butter adds a certain flare to celery, and with the addition of raisins, you can easily create a snack even your children will love. If you have the time, then consider slicing fruits into ¼ inch thick slices and dehydrating in your oven. If you opt to use apples, then set your oven at 200 degrees, place the apple slices not overlapping, and cook for about 40-50 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 40-50 minutes, and you will have a healthy snack that is not loaded with preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or dyes. It is necessary to eat these apple chips within three days because of the lack of preservatives.

If you work in an office, then it is wise to keep healthy snacks on hand. There are many great options such as granola, air popped popcorn, or even dark chocolate. It is important to choose a chocolate that is at least 70 percent cacao or more. The higher the cacao content is in the chocolate, the more bitter it will taste. However, you can easily incorporate nuts, dried fruits, or even almond butter to soften the taste. You will enjoy the extra boost of energy, as well as the boost of mental clarity.

There is no need to find yourself feeling starved and unable to focus when you can simply reach for a healthy snack. Consider preparing your snacks ahead of time to ensure you always have something readily available. It is also important to consume ample amounts of water, because many times people confuse thirst for hunger. Make sure you are eating good meals throughout the day to help battle over snacking or binge eating. Do not allow yourself to get so hungry that you are famished, because you may find yourself reaching for an unhealthy option such as potato chips, candy bars, or sodas to appease your hunger. When you snack in this way you find that it is hard to lose unwanted pounds, and ultimately you will gain weight. However, if you opt for healthier snacks you will find that you feel far more satisfied, can lose or maintain a healthy weight easier, and have more energy.