But most importantly, it has to taste delicious - and healthy food can and should taste good! Together with our test kitchen pros, we've rounded up the best healthy sweet snacks to meet every craving, from better-for-you fruit roll-ups to "nice cream" and more. Our nutrition experts say it's ideal to look for sweet snacks with low added sugar counts and a balance of protein and healthy fats to keep you fueled and satisfied. And the average American consumes 77 grams of the sweet stuff per day, which is more than three times the recommended limit set by the American Heart Association. We know that consuming too much added sugar, over time, is related to higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammation among other health problems. "But added sugars, the ones that literally get added to the food we eat, contribute zero nutrients and added empty calories." Examples of added sugars include white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. "Naturally occurring sugars like those in fruit come packed with other beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and fiber," says Registered Dietitian and Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Stefani Sassos. And when those sugar cravings hit, choosing a healthier option that still tastes good can help keep you on track with your nutrition and diet. We prioritized options with fiber, protein and healthy fats, focusing on wholesome ingredient lists and options that will keep you fueled and satisfied. We selected these choices with all of that in mind while also trying to appeal to a wide variety of nutritional needs and taste buds.Of course prioritizing nutrient-dense foods the majority of the time is important, but sensibly indulging in your favorite foods is important too. Some of those foods might fall into conventional ideas of what “healthy” is. But we’re also talking about foods that help you connect with your culture, promote joy, and simply taste delicious. At SELF, when we talk about food being healthy, sure, we’re talking about foods that are nutritious, filling, and satisfying. Not only can it mean different things to different people, but it’s a word that’s pretty loaded (and sometimes fraught), thanks to the diet industry’s influence on the way we think about food. Keep them within arm’s reach of your home (or office) workspace, or in the kitchen as an excuse to get up and stretch your legs for a minute.Ī quick note about the word healthy here before we get into the snacks: We know that healthy is a complicated concept. Basically, there’s a little bit of everything, so that you can find snacks to suit your tastes, dietary needs, and budget-even road trip snacks for all your summer traveling!Ĭhoose two (or three!) from this list for a more filling combination snack, and mix it up so you get a nice variety of nutrients, flavors, and textures- protein and carbs, salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy-to keep your snack game fresh. There are general recommendations for snack-worthy foods as well as specific healthy snacks to buy, plus a few ideas for homemade snacks you can batch-prep if you’re so inclined. This list is full of convenient and healthy snack ideas, including the personal favorites of a few RDs and a bunch of our own picks. “Having protein with carbohydrates or fat and protein can help keep you feeling fuller for longer,” she explains. And while sometimes all you want is a little nibble, Phoenix-based dietitian Rhyan Geiger tells SELF that including at least two different food groups (starches, fats, proteins, or fruits/vegetables) will result in a more substantial snack. So, what should you look for in a really awesome snack? Generally, an energizing and sustaining snack is going to have some nutritional staying power in the form of protein, fat, and/or fiber, Toronto-based registered dietitian Abbey Sharp, RD, has previously told SELF. In addition to all that, good snacks are also kind of like a mini-break for your mind and treat for your senses, and they can give you that little burst of joy you need to get through the toughest work moments. A nutritious little midmorning or afternoon munch can provide the fuel top-off you need to stay focused until mealtime. When your stomach’s rumbling, having healthy snacks at the ready takes on even greater importance, whether you’re powering through the WFH or office grind, on a road trip, or simply spending some leisure time at home.
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