The past year or so has really opened everyone’s eyes to the way we look after our bodies. As we move on from the pandemic, you may be starting to think about different ways you can boost your health and increase your immunity, ready for all of the social events you can now attend, after using an antigen test kit (UK government recommend testing weekly to stop the spread.)
Healthy eating is difficult to begin with. Though you can replace all of your meals with healthier options, you may find you feel hungrier throughout the day and are tempted to reach for a snack.
The best way to stay on track is to find healthy snacks to keep you going. We’ve done some research and rounded up some healthy snacks that are packed full of goodness. Check them out below.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts can be found in any supermarket, and in many different varieties. Nuts are a good source of nutrients and include good levels of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, and selenium.
The snack is also high in antioxidants, which protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress, which has been linked to several chronic illnesses.
Mixed nuts hit a range of macronutrients too, with good levels of fibre and some protein. Eating this snack can help to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, increasing heart health and supporting overall immunity.
Greek Yoghurt With Berries
Greek yoghurt with berries is a refreshing and delicious snack to have mid-morning. The berries provide a range of vital vitamins and minerals and contain high levels of antioxidants. As previously mentioned, antioxidants do wonders inside your body.
The Greek yoghurt is a good source of calcium and increases gut health as it contains probiotics. It has good levels of protein which helps to maintain energy levels throughout your day. It can also lower blood pressure.
Kale Chips
Our favorite leafy green, but in a crisp format. Kale chips are incredibly easy to make. Just roast kale until crisp and add salt to taste. They’re a good replacement for salty crisps that can be high in salt and fat, providing a lighter, more nutritious alternative.
Kale contains lots of dietary fiber, a range of vitamins that your body needs, and lots of antioxidants. Kale chips are a delicious and light way to snack, especially when you’re craving a bag of salted crisps.
Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks have boomed in popularity recently. Packed with iodine and other minerals, this salty snack can add lots of nutrition to your diet. They come in a range of flavors, including olive oil and sesame flavor, and can add valuable nutrients to your life.
Seaweed is also a carbon-neutral food source, growing on the seabed and requiring very little else to thrive, and so eating this snack may also be doing a small bit to tackle climate change.
Dark Chocolate
Though not everyone’s favorite, dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and a number of vital nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, regulates blood flow, and reduces blood pressure levels.
Dark chocolate may not be to everyone’s taste, due to its rich flavor, but it can be a good replacement for sugar-filled chocolate bars.
There are loads of really healthy snacks you can choose as you begin a more healthy diet, and many are available in your local coffee shop too!
So next time you’re out for coffee, after staying safe by using an antigen test kit (UK readers can order online or pick up from local pharmacies), you can choose the healthier, more nutritious option, while you socialize.
