10 Healthy Snacks

With summer fast approaching many of us are beginning to watch our weight and trying to get that killer holiday body. Getting into shape is 70% diet and 30% exercise according to leading experts, so it is very important to eat the right foods. Many of us find it hard to stick to strict diets such as cutting carbs or just eating soup, so I’ve listed ten foods and drinks that are healthy to snack on, will boost your energy and increase your metabolism.

Oatmeal- Research shows that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.  It contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is low in fat. Oatmeal provides a good source of water soluble fibres and therefore keeps you feeling fuller over a longer period of time, a great breakfast option.

Asparagus- This super food is packed with great benefits one of the main being its high levels of folate which are known to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer. This tasty snack can go with fish, chicken or even poached eggs. It’s packed with potassium which aids weight loss and is detoxing.

Spinach- There is a reason Popeye ate so much of the stuff; it’s packed with vitamins and low in calories.  High in Vitamin A and C, spinach is full of antioxidants which again helps fight against high cholesterol and helps to lower blood pressure. It’s also a very versatile food, whether it’s in your salad or in a pasta sauce, you can eat spinach in a variety of ways. For adults and children spinach is one of the best sources of iron and gives you heaps of energy.

Eggs- Low fat and high in nutrients eggs are a great food to have in your diet and there’s so many ways you can have them! Usually eaten at breakfast, eggs can also be eaten scrambled in rice or as an omelette. Another great fact about eggs is they are cheap and quick to cook. They also work to help keep your nails and hair strong as well as all the right minerals to keep your eyes healthy.

Green Tea- If you’re looking to trim a few pounds, green tea is a brilliant fat fighter. Its ingredients increase the rate at which fat is burned in our body. Green tea also increases insulin use in the body which prevents blood sugar spikes and stops things like fatigue and cravings. If you don’t like pure green tea try the Twinning’s range which come in a variety of flavours such as cranberry with green tea or orange and green tea.

Fish- Salmon, tuna and mackerel are just a few of the fish that contain Omega 3 fats which have been proved to prevent heart disease. Fish is a super food packed with vitamins and minerals and helps to fight and prevent many diseases.  Salmon has also been proved to help smooth out age lines. Try to incorporate fish into your diet at least three times a week, weather its cod and chips or tuna on your baked potato.

Coffee- Many people consider coffee to be full of caffeine and while this is true it also has its benefits. Coffee contains 1.8grams of fibre which contributes to our recommended 20-38 grams a day. There is also a considerable amount of research that shows caffeine may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s, protect you against type two diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee combined with sugar helps to boost your energy and therefore boost your attention span, perfect for a busy day. However too much coffee also comes with risks so limit yourself to one a day.

Potatoes- Too many carbs can leave you feeling bloated and tired but as long as you don’t have them too close to your bedtime its fine. Mash them, bake them or boil them, potatoes are easy and versatile. They contain potassium, dietary fibre and vitamin C all which help to keep you bowels in check. White potatoes tend to be lower in carbohydrates and calories however sweet potatoes are also just as good for you.

Almonds- A great alternative to crisps and chocolate, almonds are dense in minerals and vitamins that help to keep your body healthy.  Almonds contain things such as; fibre, Omega 3, zinc calcium and iron, and that’s just naming a few! They are a great snack as they contain protein and the good type of fat which leaves you feeling fuller for longer. Again all its nutrients help to protect you from high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

Broccoli- Now many of us hate the thought of green vegetables, but they really are so good for you. Packed with vitamin A and C, calcium and folic acid, broccoli protects your body from a number of health dangers. Broccoli is also great for those who are trying to lose weight, eating more nutritious foods leads your body to believe you are full and therefore prevents you from eating junk.

By Amrit Pnaiser