When following a healthy, balanced diet that’s packed full of fruits, pulses and vegetables, we know how difficult it can be to resist those cravings for sweet treats. While it is okay to indulge in moderation, it’s also easy to fall into bad habits, such as keeping a stash of sweets, crisps and chocolates on your desk at work to snack on throughout the day.
Although you won’t notice straight away, such behaviours will actually take their toll on your body in the long-run, leading to health implications such as high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
Rather than snacking on foods high in saturated fats and sugars, banish those pesky cravings with these easy-to-make healthy and tasty snack ideas:
Sweet potato fries with Greek yoghurt dip
Sweet potatoes are a perfect healthy snack, satisfying your needs for something savoury, but with a sweet kick. With less carbohydrates and calories than regular potatoes, switch your usual fries for a sweet potato version.
Simply cut your potato into your desired shape and lay onto a baking tray. Brush with a little olive or coconut oil and sprinkle with paprika or mixed herbs. Place them into the oven and bake until soft and crispy. Baking is a much healthier alternative to frying.
Finish by creating your own dip, using low-fat Greek yoghurt, chives and chopped cucumber.
Celery sticks with hummus and olives
Another easy desk-side snack is celery sticks with hummus and olives. All you need to do is chop up your celery sticks and spread with hummus. Finish by cutting your olives in half and adding them on top.
It’s best to make your own hummus, since many shop-bought versions contain a high amount of fat. You can do this by mashing chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, water, olive oil and paprika together until you achieve a thick paste-like consistency.
Peanut butter and rice cakes
Rice cakes are a much healthier alternative to crisps, but can be a little dry if you eat them plain. So why not spruce them up by adding some tasty peanut butter?
Peanuts are an excellent source of protein – the nutrient that helps to keep the body’s tissues, like muscles and hair, in good condition. But it’s important to not consume too much peanut butter, as it does have a high fat content. Instead, opt for a low-fat version and eat in moderation.
Fruit and nut smoothie
If you don’t get excited about snacking on pieces of fruit, why not whip up a selection in a delicious smoothie?
Smoothies are a great way to pack a number of different fruits and vegetables together, while also being extremely satisfying. You can be as adventurous as you like when it comes to your smoothie ingredients.
Banana, kale, pear and almond milk is one option that may sound slightly usual, but, in fact, works well and provides you with a plethora of healthy nutrients.
