Most people who want to want to improve their current fitness level think that snacking isn’t right. Indeed, we all have different opinions about snacking. If you are a fitness enthusiast, here is what you need to know: Snacking can be good or bad depending on what you eat.
The best part is that you can use snacking to your advantage. From now on, turn healthy snacking into a healthy habit by choosing nutritious snacks that meet your health and weight goals. Read this list to discover the 8 best fitness-friendly snacks for you.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Frozen grapes
Are you a sweet tooth? If you’re struggling to give up unhealthy sweets, subzero grapes are one of your healthiest remedies. These will help you beat those annoying sugar cravings while avoiding the guilt of eating more calories. 1 cup of grapes gives you only 106 calories. What’s more, grapes contain resveratrol, a plant compound that fights diabetes and promotes muscle recovery from your workouts.
Edamame
Eda, what? We know, we know – for starters, edamame might sound foreign. But if you’re serious about getting fit, consider edamame your best friend. Edamame beans are immature soybeans that can easily be eaten as snacks after steaming with salt and pepper. They are a rich source of protein and low in carbohydrates and sugar to give you a constant supply of energy at work. What better snack to raise your productivity levels than edamame?
Mashed avocado with tuna
This fitness snack is a protein powerhouse! A single avocado contains 4 grams of protein (the highest coming from a fruit) while canned tuna in water has nearly 20 grams of protein. Consume mashed avocado with tuna after a moderate to strenuous workout to repair your muscles. Another great benefit of protein snacks is that they have a high thermic effect on your body thus speeding up your metabolism.
Cantaloupe melon
Looking for another sweet and juicy snack to satisfy your hunger? Cantaloupe melons instantly make you full since they have high water content. One cup provides only 54 calories and 0.3 grams of fat. You can snack on one cup or combine it with other freshly cut fruits. To ensure the best flavor, make sure to cut open a melon within an hour before eating. Cantaloupe also pairs well with almonds and hazelnuts.
Tomato juice
Drinking natural tomato juice can be a great substitute for high-calorie beverages. A single cup of tomato juice contains only 50 calories. As we already know, tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a phytochemical with several benefits. Lycopene is known to have analgesic properties to relieve muscle soreness after exercise. In addition, lycopene protects you against metabolic syndrome – a condition that’s associated with obesity and high blood sugar levels.
Eggs
Eggs are among the world’s healthiest foods. They’re very simple to prepare and can be snacked on to help you trim down your daily calorie intake. Authority Nutrition mentions that since eggs are rich in protein, they keep you feeling fuller and reduce your chances to snack late in the evening. One large hard-boiled egg has only 78 calories. For a more delicious snack, try incorporating it into your green salad.
Whole-wheat bread
Whole-wheat bread makes a smart if you’re conscious about your weight. The reason why this fitness-friendly snack works is that it is rich in fiber which adds bulk to your diet, keeping you full. Fiber stays in your digestive system much longer and keeps your blood sugar levels stable so that you don’t constantly crave sugary foods. Remember to always choose whole-wheat bread over white bread. Eat it alone or pair it up with your favorite tuna.
Apples
Will an apple a day keep extra pounds away? Absolutely. Again, apples are an abundant source of fiber which remains undigested. Apples contain polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant properties, that reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. When inflammation is reduced, your risk for developing obesity also decreases. Place a layer of almond butter to onto an apple slice to add protein.
Conclusion
These are our healthy snack ideas to immediately satisfy your hunger. Notice that they’re high in protein and fiber and are low in unhealthy carbohydrates. Make this list your best defense against foods that will only harm your waistline and health. Remember that snacking can is a healthy practice when done right!
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