When it comes to a healthy body and lifestyle, exercise is only one part of the equation. Sleep and dietary habits are also huge factors in the journey. As we train, our body expends energy that needs replenishing. So we break out the forks, spoons, and knives as we crave that lost energy. Sometimes, there isn’t time to cook a 4 course meal because our day has already started. The quest for healthy eating gets complicated quickly.
Well, here at Forte we have an answer to those unrelenting sounds from your hungry midsection. In this article we asked our trainers: “What are your favorite snacks?” But before we get there, let’s break down what constitutes a healthful snack.
Avoiding high calorie, high sugar, and highly processed foods are a good starter for those with weight loss as a primary goal. A snack that’s higher in processed ingredients will not help your body function optimally in the same fashion as a nutrient dense snack full of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are responsible for regular body functions like immune system functioning. Without vitamins and/or minerals your body’s systems would fail. Making vitamin and mineral dense snacks is not difficult, however it does involve planning.
To be more specific, when we polled our trainers at Forte an overwhelming majority of us intentionally sought out nuts. Some of us make bowls of fruit, intentionally seeking out berries which are generally the healthiest fruits. Others opt for a combo of dried fruit and nuts when we’re on the go. Here’s a tip to make fruit consumption even more flavorful and nutrient dense: combine your fruit with something like full fat plain yogurt. Full fat plain yogurt will satiate you more quickly, the fats store vitamins A,D,E, and K. Additionally, full fat plain yogurt is high in protein, another satiater and a tissue repairer as well as being high in probiotics.
Some of our trainers at Forte opt for vegetable-based snacks which is an even better choice relative to fruit. Some raw vegetables that are an excellent snack choice are raw broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, and cucumbers. Vegetables dipped in a tasty hummus is not only filling, but nutrient dense, high in protein and fiber.
At the end of the day, you get to pick and choose what you will become. The daily habits you keep are what determine this. Let this article be the start of your journey in consuming snacks more intentionally. Small behaviors like this really can have a positive impact on your life. A small change in course carried out day after day results in huge changes down the line. So, get started now and plan out your next healthy snack!