Are you a muncher like me? Why not find healthy snacks to munch away on? Here is how to jazz up your snack the healthy way.
My husband calls me a “muncher.” I can’t help it. I just love finding something to munch on in between meals and most of the time I munch on not-so-healthy food like crisps, or chocolates (although I do go for dark chocolate, which is healthier than milk chocolates, no?).
To help change my habit, I found these 9 great ways to have a healthier snack, and would like to share it with you.
Fruit is always a great ingredient to use as a snack. Beware of dried fruits though. You might think that since they are fruits, they are OK. However, the high-level of sugar used to preserve them might not be so healthy in the long run.
There are many ways to jazz up your snack in a healthy way. Here are some ideas to get you started:
#1 Prosciutto-wrapped Melons
For those of you who like a savory taste in their snacks, this is a gorgeous snack to have. Italian in origin, this delicious combination of ham and melon is to die for.
All you need is:
- a ripe, juicy melon, cut into 1 inch by 1 inch cubes
- strips of prosciutto
- toothpicks
Cut the prosciutto into smaller strips. Then wrap each strip around a cube of melon. Use a toothpick to secure it. Place them in a container and keep it chilled in the fridge.
When snack time arrives, just pop these cubes into your mouth and munch away!
#2 Water Crackers and Dips
Instead of storing packets of crisps in your snacking cupboard, try getting water crackers, or water biscuits, as some people call them. These are made with just flour and water, then baked, doing away with the fat that is usually found in other crispy snacks.
To jazz up these bland crackers, mix up different flavored dips. Hummus or tzatziki always work for me.
#3 Vegetables and Dips
Apart from water crackers, fresh vegetables work well with dips, too. My personal favorite is dipping either celery sticks or baby carrots into dips.
#4 Edamame
Rich in protein, these beans work well as a snack. They are very easy to prepare, and you can prepare a huge amount beforehand and store them in your fridge, ready for your snack time.
All you need to do is boil the pods in salted water. Once cooked, drain them, let them cool, then store them in a container in the fridge. The fun part about this snack is the need to peel off the pods to get to the beans. This keeps your hands busy, which in turn helps to control the amount that you consume because once your hands get tired, you know it’s time to stop.
#5 Raspberries with Honey Yogurt Dip
Since raspberries are in season, why not snack on them fresh with a honey yogurt dip on the side?
I like using Greek yogurt for this. Just add a few spoonfuls of honey into the yogurt, mix well, and dip the raspberries into it.
#6 Garlic Cheddar Mix on Toast
Another savoury snack to try. All you need to do is prepare the garlic cheddar mix in advance and store it in an air-tight container/jar in the fridge.
All you need is:
- minced garlic
- shredded cheddar
- salt and pepper
Mix all these ingredients well. Prior to your snack time, switch on the grill function of your oven. Next, lay out pieces of toast on a baking tray, then sprinkle the garlic cheddar mix on top, and let them grill until the cheese melts, and the toast turns brown.
#7 Frozen Yogurt Instead of Ice cream
If you crave ice cream as a snack, try having a scoop of frozen yogurt or fro-yo instead. It tastes just as heavenly, but is definitely much healthier.
#8 Boiled Chickpeas
This is a childhood favorite thanks to my mum who loved snacking on them. It is also a good source of protein and dietary fiber.
You would need a pressure cooker for this to speed up the cooking process. Just wash the chickpeas, fill up the pressure cooker with salted water and the chickpeas, and cook it for at least 50 minutes. This is nice to have both warm or chilled.
#9 Avoid using processed ingredients
Instead of using processed ingredients, try swapping them out for healthier options. For example, use whole-grain crackers instead of regular ones or make your own granola bars using natural sweeteners like honey or dates.
Adding a variety of colors to your snack can make it more visually appealing and provide a range of nutrients. These ideas are quick, easy, and nutritious ways to jazz up your snack and satisfy your cravings.
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