Delicious & Healthy Snacks

In our student days, we tend to hang out with friends for more than just talk. We have various drinks together, go check out that new pizza place, go for waffles afterwards… Whenever we have a bite, it usually includes junk food.

Junk food can bring us the psychological benefit of belonging and feeling comforted. Although it might be good for our minds, it is bad for our body. The calorie intake, as well as saturated fat intake, is something we should keep an eye on at any stage in life.

If we learn how to twist it up a bit, healthy food can be delicious and very comforting. It’s easier than we think it is, but it requires a push of initiative and an open mind. From sweet to savoury, here are some of the most creative snacks that have the same number of calories as 4 biscuits.

ALMOND OR PEANUT BUTTER WITH A SLICED APPLE

• Apples are high in antioxidants and fibre that improve gut health and reduce heart disease risk.
• Nuts are good for heart health and can reduce bad cholesterol.
• A sliced apple with two tablespoons of almond or peanut butter amount to 260 calories.

HUMMUS WITH CARROTS AND CUCUMBERS

• Hummus is a blend of chickpeas, olive oil and garlic which reduces inflammation. It’s a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.
• Carrots are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support the digestive health.
• Cucumbers are high in nutrients and hydration which helps weight loss.
• 100g of hummus and 100g of raw veggies amount to less than 200 calories.

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS

• Dark chocolate reduces heart disease risk and lowers blood pressure.
• Almonds are beneficial for blood sugar control; they reduce appetite and help lose weight.
• Both ingredients are high in magnesium.
• 30g of each provides 300 calories in total.

CHERRY TOMATOES WITH MOZZARELLA

• Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they boost the immune system.
• Mozzarella is high in protein and calcium that is good for our bones.
• A cup of cherry tomatoes and a mozzarella cheese have under 200 calories.

GREEK YOGURT WITH MIXED BERRIES

• Greek yogurt is full of probiotics that help boost the immune system and are good for the gut.
• Mixed berries are high in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants.
• A cup of yogurt with half a cup of mixed berries amounts to 180 calories.

TUNA STUFFED AVOCADO

• Tuna is a good protein source that energises the body and satisfies the appetite.
• Avocado is one of the best good fat foods that help lower cholesterol.
• Half an avocado filled with a small can of tuna and spices amounts to 200 calories.

There are plenty of healthy snacks out there, we just need a bit of time and creativity to find the ones that best suit our moods and taste buds. Here is a helpful link from Snacknation: https://snacknation.com/blog/guide/healthy-snacks/.

Feeding our bodies with healthy food, rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants helps us feeling good. When we feel good on the inside, we look good on the outside. And as Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “the first wealth is health”.