We all love snacking and we all love chocolate, but there are many other ways to get that little fix we need between meals while keeping ourselves healthy at the same time. Here are five of our favourite health food snacks with no chocolate to be seen!
Nuts
Nuts are a great choice for a snack as they are rich in a wide range of nutrients and can be a source of dietary fibre. They are also a good source of monounsaturated fat which can be beneficial in helping to support blood cholesterol levels[1].
It’s great to eat nuts as a snack being part of a healthy balanced diet but as they are high in fat, try not to eat too many.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit such as raisins or sultanas is a great health choice for a snack as they’re full of fibre and vitamins. For example prunes and dried apricots contain beta-carotene, while figs, prunes, raisins, sultanas and dried apricots are a source of iron[2].
Fruit
It may sound too obvious, but as an alternative to chocolate there is nothing better than snacking on some delicious fruit. Not only does it taste as sweet as many chocolate products, it’s good for you too. Why not try snacking on bananas, oranges and apples throughout your day to keep your energy levels high? Remember there is very little Vitamin C contained in dried fruit[3] so during these cold winter months when the risk of a common cold is high, why not try and support your health by snacking on a delicious orange rather than that chocolate bar?
Raw vegetables
If you need that crunch when snacking, rather than reaching for the chocolate bar why not munch on some raw vegetables such as sticks of carrot, celery or cucumber? Carrots are not only delicious they are also a good source or beta carotene which is turned into Vitamin A in our bodies[4].
Low fat yoghurt
If you feel you still need something a little sweet to snack on then why not try a low fat yoghurt or if you’re wondering what to put in the kids’ lunchboxes then why not a fromage frais? Both of these provide a much more healthy option than chocolate.[5]
[1] Food Standards Agency (2010). Healthy Heart. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/healthissues/healthyheart/
[2] Food Standards Agency (2010). Fruit and Veg. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/healthydiet/fruitandvegq/#A218504
[3] Food Standards Agency (2010). Fruit and Veg. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/healthydiet/fruitandvegq/#A218504
[4] Food Standards Agency (2010). Get Back to Your Roots. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/seasonsandcelebrations/winter/roots/
[5] Food Standards Agency (2010). Fruit and Veg. http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/healthydiet/fruitandvegq/#A218504
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