Making healthy choices all of the time can be difficult and sometimes a slice of chocolate fudge cake will only do. But with these healthy snack ideas, you can make better choices for your health, skin, and waistline.
Alex Thompson, Holland & Barrett's nutritionist explains the need to snack smarter during the winter months. He says that fatigue is something that we're all vulnerable to during winter, it's likely our energy levels will drop because we don't produce as much serotonin. When we're feeling low, we're likely to reach for more comforting foods, and high sugar options to give our energy a boost. Instead, choose high protein options to help fuel the body and keep you fuller for longer.
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Healthy snack ideas
Boiled eggs
Boiled eggs are a great snack to have to hand when hunger strikes because they're a great combination of protein and healthy fat, which will keep you fuller for longer. Boil up half a dozen eggs at a time and keep them in the fridge to reach for when you need it most. They'll last a week before in the fridge.
In The Nood - Make your own energy balls
We've reviewed the In the Nood Energy Balls in detail previously. They make a great healthy and nutritious snack for on the go, and you can tailor them to your own specific tastes too.
Whitworths Shots
From berry and white chocolate to toffee and pecan, Whitworths Shots are the perfectly moreish on-the-go snack that is packed full of satisfying mixes. What’s more, these good-natured little snacks are all under 100 calories.
Dietician and nutritionist Sian Porter says that eating well is the cornerstone of being and staying healthy, whatever your age.
If you're looking to make changes to your health, you can start by replacing the less healthy things in your diet for healthier alternatives, in order to feel better and motivated to stay on track with healthier eating.
Sian says that Shots are great because they're portion controlled with a healthy balance of dried fruit, nuts and seeds.
[amazon box="B01M0MDY8A"]Ombar Centre
Ombar has expanded on their delicious dark chocolate range with their centres bars, each with a creamy soft centre made with velvety coconut cream.
The 100% organic raw cocoa comes in two flavours, raspberry and coconut and coconut and vanilla. Surprisingly these bars are creamy and morning and the high cocoa count means just a small amount will satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Even nutritional health coach and food blogger Madeline Shaw loves them.
She says: "I've absolutely fallen in love with Ombar. In fact, I think we've had a love affair for a few years now. Lots of 'healthy' chocolate doesn't feel like real chocolate, but Ombar is perfect for when you need that sweet fix. Not only do the bars taste deliciously decadent but because Ombar uses raw cacao, much of the original goodness is preserved, which means the bars are packed with naturally occurring antioxidants and flavonoids."
[amazon box="B01MYWDY0K"]Kale crisps
Kale crisps are perfect for when you're looking for a savoury snack. Simply rip up some leaves and season to your taste on a baking tray, put them in the oven for just a few minutes and you have a crispy snack that's packed with nutrients. You can add a variety of toppings, things like salt, paprika, parmesan, chilli, garlic or whatever else takes your fancy.
Frozen banana with almond butter
Have a delicious and nutritious dessert with frozen banana and almond butter. Slice a banana before you put it in a tub for a few hours to freeze. When you're ready to eat it, take it out of the tub place in a bowl and drizzle with almond butter. This makes a great post-workout snack too, and the frozen banana has a texture like ice cream too. Much better than tucking into a tub of Ben & Jerry's.
Bounce Protein Energy pouches
These handy pouches are perfect to keep on your desk at work, packed with protein, the bites make the perfect post-lunch snack for those who want to stay fuller for longer and keep a spring in their step through the winter months.
Made with high-quality whey protein, Bounce’s bite-size treats contain no added sugars. They come in three tempting flavours too, Coconut Cranberry, Sweet & Salty, and Cocoa Orange. The bites are packaged into re-sealable pouches that are perfect to keep you going all week long.
Reach for these with your cup of tea instead of high-sugar biscuits.
Chirps - egg white crisp
If kale crisps don’t sound like your thing, try Chirps, a new range of crisps made from egg white. Chirps contain 9% protein in each bag and they have 30% fewer calories than other crisps.
They’re satisfying, delicious and a healthier alternative.
Commenting on the new range, Holland & Barrett’s nutritionist Alex Thompson explains: “Egg white is an excellent source of protein. It’s also fat-free and cholesterol free. Swapping these crisps with your daily elevenses potato crisps is an easy way to cut calories from your day, while also helping you to feel fuller for longer.”
Chirps come in three flavours, Sour Cream and Onion, Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper and Smokey Jalapeno.