Snack time!
The right snacks can help fuel your day and provide you with much needed engergy in between meals. Here are 5 of my favourite snacks that I enjoy on a regular basis:
1. Almonds and raisins: I love this combination. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, along with several other vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of monounsaturated fats and dietary fibre. Raisins are high in sugar, so it’s great to eat as an afternoon pick-me-up snack. Since almonds are high in healthy fats and contain fibre, combining the two will slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream from the raisins and help sustain energy levels. You only need a handful of each.
2. Banana with nut butter: MMMMMM, it’s like dessert! Most of us know that bananas are full of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that our body needs in order to transmit nerve impulses, regulate contraction of muscles, and to maintain blood pressure levels. Peanut, almond, or cashew butter, just like almonds, is a great source of healthy fats and also provides some protein. There is no need to buy giant bananas however, opt for the small to medium size instead.
3. Oatmeal with cinnamon and chia seeds: Oatmeal is a slow digesting grain full of soluble fibre. Adding cinnamon gives it a little kick and research suggests it can help regulate blood sugar, so it’s great for people with type II diabetes. A teaspoon or so of chia seeds will up the nutritional content even more, adding a bunch of antioxidants and more fibre. These little seeds swell into gels, slowing down the digestive tract making you feel fuller for longer.
4. Protein shake and an apple: I’ll have to write about protein powder supplements another time, but having a good quality protein powder on hand is great for meals on the go, or times when sitting down to eat isn’t an option. It provides the body with amino acids to promote protein synthesis, and it may even help when it comes to weight loss. The antioxidants and fibre found in apples and other fruits can help boost the immune system and reduce bad cholesterol.
5. Veggies with hummus dip: Like fruits, vegetables are awesome when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and fibre. The darker 
the green, and brighter the red, yellow, and orange, the better. Vegetables tend to be lower in sugars than fruits, so eat as many as you like. Hummus is made from chickpeas (or garbanzo beans), which are legumes. Legumes are an excellent source of protein, and are high in fibre, iron, calcium, B vitamins, and low in saturated fat. Try making your own at home!
If you haven’t already, give some of these a try! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Haley
Shape180 