Snacking is a great way to keep your metabolism going and avoid the blood sugar spikes you might get from a full meal. It’s crucial to choose healthy snacks, however. Many “snacks” are loaded with calories or carbohydrates that aren’t worth the few minutes of pleasure they provide.
Avoid processed foods at all costs. Processed foods often have chemicals that may be harmful to your body and may cause weight gain as well. They are usually high in sugars and fats which can lead to obesity if consumed often. If you have no choice but to eat processed food, check the nutrition label for calorie and fat content before consuming them.
In a perfect world, you’d be able to snack on fresh fruits and vegetables whenever you want, but preparing these can be time consuming. If you’re crunched for time, check out the following easy snacks that will let you reach your goals.
- Chocolate milk: There’s a reason most athletes drink this stuff after workouts—it helps muscles recover and rebuild. Chocolate milk is also high in calcium and protein, both of which help muscles recover faster. The small amount of sugar in chocolate milk works quickly to replenish glycogen levels in muscles, while the protein bolsters muscle development and recovery processes.
- Banana and peanut butter: Nothing fancy here—just two great foods smashed together into one portable package. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, making them a great post-workout snack as they help muscle recovery and digestion.
- Roasted nuts are extremely popular and easy to make. Just spread the nuts on a baking sheet, spray with olive oil (or nonstick cooking spray), and roast them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until they’re lightly browned and fragrant. A cup of roasted nuts is one serving; if you have more than that, store them in the refrigerator.
