Eating good food is undoubtedly one of the simplest pleasures in life. But often, a lot of the snacking choices we opt for end up turning these simple pleasures into guilty pleasures. It’s not entirely surprising, either, since most of the more convenient and ready-to-eat food we are exposed to are very processed and high in salt, sugar, fat, and other artificial additions. By making a few more mindful choices, though, you can satisfy your cravings any time without having to compromise your nutrition.
Homemade sandwiches
Bread is one of the easiest and most filling foods that you can find on the market. It’s relatively inexpensive and incredibly versatile, too. However, traditional bread can be fattening and even upset those with sensitivities to gluten. That doesn’t mean you have to cut it out of your diet, though. Buy gluten-free sandwich bread next time and keep it refrigerated to help it last longer.
Keep a variety of possible spreads in your pantry so you can make a snack in a pinch. Some of the best options are tuna, lettuce, jams, peanut butter, and even pickled veggies. With some of your favorite condiments and meats, you can make a delicious healthy meal. Making your own sandwich station is convenient for busy people or those with big households, too, since it’s quick to make and allows for anyone to customize their own healthy meal in just a few minutes.
Berries and yogurt
Two superfoods that you can get virtually any time of the year are berries and yogurt. Berries, whether frozen or fresh, are loaded with antioxidants that help rid your body of free radicals. Yogurt is part of the dairy family and is fantastic for gut health. You can store these two in your freezer for a substantially long shelf-life. For your yogurt, make sure it is pasteurized and is okay with being kept at low temperatures.
Otherwise, you can buy it by the tub at any food outlet. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even try making your own. Both berries and yogurt are also very versatile, so you can use them in both sweet and savory dishes. They can even be filling on their own! One of the simplest ways to use them is in a granola cup, in a smoothie, or even in a breakfast bowl. You can also find easy recipes to follow online that will get your culinary chops working.
Trail mix
A wonder of a snack, trail mix is loaded with healthy fats and energy boosters. It’s easy to find, and nowadays, you can even find more organic options. Of course, it’s arguably even better if you can make your own to lessen unhealthy picks and personalize it. You may also find that you have the necessary ingredients in your pantry right now.
The essential ingredients of a classic trail mix are nuts (think almonds or walnuts), granola (which you could even toast with your favorite spices), pretzel crackers (for a little saltiness), and some candy (like little chocolates). You can feel free to swap out whatever you prefer or if you have allergies. Some healthier alternatives could be cacao nibs for the candy, homemade granola for less processed sugar, and even toasted seeds instead of the pretzels.
Just because you’re watching your diet doesn’t mean you have to give up snacking. Starting with a few changes to your pantry, you’ll be surprised just how much better you’ll begin to feel.
