5 Guilt-Free Snack Ideas

Snack time foods can be really tricky. It can either mend or break your efforts of keeping in shape. So, what is it that makes for a healthy, guilt-free snack? Ideally, you should aim at incorporating a combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fat. This will help you feel fuller for a longer period of time, adding to your diet and fitness goals. Avoid empty calories, found in sugar and other highly-processed foods.

Read on to find out more on the 5-guilt free snack items.

• Pistachios.

Pistachios are loaded with fibre, minerals, and unsaturated fats that help in keeping the blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in check. The protein in them does the job of keeping you full, while also has traces of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure you have the unsalted ones, which will make for a 100 calorie(30 pistachios) nutritious, and satisfying snack option.

• Air-Popped Popcorn.

Per cup, air-popped popcorn only has 30 calories. Interestingly, they are high in polyphenol antioxidants which protect our cells from damage by free radicals, improves digestive health, betters blood circulation, and reduces the risk of various cancers. Being high in fibre, they make for an amazing snack option. But be cautious of having the packaged ones, as they can be high in sodium and fats.

• Oatmeal.

Oats have both soluble and insoluble fibre, while is loaded with manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. The beta-glucan- soluble fibre in oats helps in reducing the bad cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and fosters the growth of good bacteria in the gut. A cup of oatmeal has around 150 calories and will keep you satisfied for a long time.

• Roasted chickpeas.

Chickpeas are packed with hunger-squelching protein and fibre. Roasted chickpeas will satisfy your cravings if having something salty, savoury, and crunchy. Try to avoid the packaged ones, for they will add extra unnecessary calories. You can make them at home easily. All you need to do it, take boiled chickpeas, add some olive oil and put it in the microwave for 30 mins. Add any herbs and spices to make it even healthy and filling.

• Eggs.

The protein found in eggs has nine essential amino acids. Interestingly, one large scrambled egg contains at least 5 per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-5 and selenium. They are good for eye health and are loaded with antioxidants. One large boiled egg has only 78 calories. Hence, they make an amazing snack option when it comes to keeping you full.

Over to you.
You don’t have to necessarily curb your wish of having something when trying to lose weight. There are multiple options to choose from, in order to eliminate guilt from your diet. Remember, do not ignore the hunger as you might end up binge eating and hence, regretting. Include the above options and have a healthful snack time.