Top 5 Healthy Snacks

Snacking is not only a great way to curb your hunger throughout the day, but it also keeps your blood sugar levels in check and keeps you from overeating at meals. The only way snacks are good for you is if you are eating the right thing. Here are the top five snacks that you should be eating to get you through the day.

1. Nuts. Nuts provide numerous health benefits as long as they are eaten in moderation. A handful of two of your favorite trail mix, or even just plain almonds is great for your body and provides healthy fats. Nuts have been proven to lower your risk for heart disease by up to 35%.

2. Fruit & Cottage Cheese. Non fat cottage cheese provides a large dose of protein without any fat, as well as calcium and riboflavin. Paired with a piece of fruit that will satisfy your sweet craving, this snack is enjoyable yet very healthy for you.

3. Veggies & Hummus: Pairing your favorite vegetable with a few tablespoons of hummus is an excellent snack idea. Carrots, celery, peppers, and cucumber all go well with hummus and contain many essential vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.

4. Dried whole grain cereal: Dried whole grain cereal is a great grab and go snack that is easy and nourishing. It provides fiber and will keep you full for longer. Make sure the cereal that you choose is low in sugar and high in fiber-many cereals are also fortified with other nutrients such as vitamin D and iron.

5. Yogurt. It has been proven that people who eat yogurt daily maintain a much healthier weight than those who don’t. Not only is this snack easy, but it provides calcium, Vitamin D, and beneficial bacteria. Some yogurts contain sucrose, or sugar, so try to buy organic, plain and unsweetened yogurt. If it is not sweet enough for you try adding some organic granola, or a piece of fruit.

Although many people feel regretful about snacking and feel that snacks provide unneeded calories throughout the day, the opposite is true. Choosing the right snacks as well as watching portion size is the key to enhancing rather than hurting your diet.