9 healthy snacks

When we get hungry during meals, we usually resort to high-carb snacks such as chocolate, crackers, industrial cereal bars, sweet and savoury pastries, and so on. We are not doing our body any favours as carbohydrates, especially sugars, digest very quickly and provide us with a rapid increase in energy, but unfortunately also an equally rapid decline. Namely, blood sugar rises quickly and declines just as quickly, which causes us to soon feel hungry again and reach for unhealthy foods high in carbohydrates. As a result of this vicious circle, extra pounds and bad mood begin to pile up.

With bouts of hunger between meals, it is better to eat protein snacks, which do not have such a strong effect on blood sugar fluctuations and consequently saturate us for a long time. Here are some examples of healthy protein snacks:

Peanut butter boats

Cut the celery stalks into smaller pieces and cut them in half lengthwise. Spread with peanut butter and sprinkle with nuts or dried fruit. Instead of celery, you can also use apple or pear slices. Unsaturated fats in peanut butter and fibre in vegetables and fruits make us feel full.

Greek yoghurt with granola

When you crave something sweet, Greek yoghurt with granola is a yummy and healthy choice. To make it even tastier and more nutritious, try adding banana slices or a teaspoon of agave syrup.

Protein balls

Mix peanut butter, oats, ground nuts, chia seeds, grated chocolate and agave syrup in a bowl and form balls. Roll the balls in chia seeds and place in the fridge to harden.

Chia pudding

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to 1 dl of plant milk. Add cacao powder and agave syrup, or fruit puree (for example add some cinnamon to persimmon and use as the sauce for the pudding).

Roasted chickpeas

Take a jar of chickpeas, season to taste and fry in a teaspoon of oil. Eat as you would nuts, whenever you feel hungry. It is rich in protein and makes us feel full for longer.

Dried Fruits and Nuts Trail Mix

Vir: http://www.simplehealthykitchen.com/ — Source: http://www.simplehealthykitchen.com/

Trail mixes alleviate hunger attacks between meals. Such blends are rich in fibre, antioxidants, protein and unsaturated fatty acids. It’s great to always have the mixture on hand when we get hungry: in a handbag, in the car, in the office.

Protein shake

Add plant milk and 2-3 teaspoons of hemp, rice, pea, or other protein powder to your favourite fruits and vegetables. The fibre in fruits and vegetables in combination with the protein will provide a slower release of nutrients into the blood and keep you full for longer.

Hummus

humus — Source: http://www.bonappetit.com

Season the jar of chickpeas or beans with salt, pepper and garlic powder (or any other spices you enjoy), add avocado or a little vegetable oil and blend into a smooth mixture. Dip sliced vegetables or corn tortillas into the sauce. Chickpeas and beans are good sources of plant protein and are a great snack.

Roasted quinoa

Add flaxseed, shredded coconut and a teaspoon of agave syrup to your cooked quinoa. Spread on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes on 180 °C. Add to yoghurts or eat as you would nuts.