Imagine movie night at home: the movie’s just starting, the lights are low, and you’re snacking and sipping on your favorite finger foods. You know, the kind of snacks that are highly processed and highly addictive. Snacking truly is one of the biggest joys in life, but too much of the wrong foods can wreak havoc on your body. Highly processed snacks generally contain a lot of fat, salt, saturated fat, sugar or white flour, and each of these affect the body. Foods high in salt, like chips, may cause your body to retain water, while sodas high in sugar may cause your energy level to spike and then quickly fall. Other possible health issues from eating too much junk food include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and weight gain, just to name a few.
The good thing is that you can still appreciate all the joys that accompany snacking without all the worrisome health possibilities. With a little bit of effort and planning, you can make delicious and nutritious snacks and drinks to satisfy your snack attack cravings. Whether you’re craving salty or sweet, here are some tasty snack ideas:
Healthier Salty Snacks Options
- Olives (about 5)
- 3 carrot sticks and ¼ cup hummus
- 2 small slices of cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto
- 1 cup unshelled edamame
- ¼ cup roasted pumpkinseeds
- 4 dried figs and 2 pieces prosciutto
Healthier Sweet Snacks Options
- 1/3 cup low fat granola mixed with fresh fruit
- 2 tablespoons honey and 1 container low fat yogurt
- 1 all natural fruit bar popsicle
- 1 Jell-O cup with a dollop of Cool Whip
- ½ banana lightly coated in yogurt then rolled in 1 tablespoon frozen semisweet chocolate chips
Mini dark chocolate bites, like Dove Dark Chocolate Promise