Introduction

To get energy in the middle of the day or even after exercise, snacking is the best option. But in recent years, snacking has established a bad image because of its effects on the health of the people. You may wonder if snacking and health go hand-in-hand. Well, the answer is yes! It is possible to relish good health without giving up the snacks. The trick is to choose the right snack that offers many health benefits. A healthy snack enriched with superfoods is the key to good health.

What makes a snack healthy?

Foods which are rich in essential nutrients (superfoods) are beneficial for our health and make a healthy snacking option. Superfoods are not special foods or imported foods. They are local and seasonal foods that are available in your grocery stores and online shopping destinations. You just have to choose and pick the right foods that are a perfect mix of fiber, protein, good fat, and carbohydrates. Moreover, pairing a snack rich in protein with a carbohydrates snack keeps you full for a longer period. For example, you can try whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter.

Benefits of healthy snacking with superfoods

Consuming healthy snacks loaded with the goodness of superfoods offers many health benefits:

• They increase the nutrient intake in our daily diet.
• They make you feel happier.
• They help to maintain blood sugar levels. So, a great option for people with diabetes.
• They help the body to recover from exercise fatigue/burnout.
• They help to maintain energy levels.
• They help prevent people from indulging in unhealthy snacking.

How to include healthy snacks in your everyday routine?

Usually, the evening is the tempting time to indulge in snacks that are rich in sugar and fats. You can:

• Prepare healthy snacks in advance
• Carry healthy snacks in your backpack or purse
• Choose a healthy alternative to fill your hunger gap
• Make your snacks interesting

Are you tired of eating the same old snacks every day? And wondering how you can prepare healthy snacks and make your snacks interesting. We are here to help you! Here are 10 amazing easy and healthy snack ideas with superfoods you would love to try.

Flax Seeds Smoothie

Flax seeds are low in carbohydrates and a great source of omega three fatty acids. They help reduce weight along with the added goodness of fruits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soya milk (flavored)
• I cup chopped chilled strawberries
• ½ cup chopped banana
• 2 tbsp. organic flax seeds
• 2 tsp. honey

Method:

• Blend all the ingredients in a juicer till the mixture is smooth.
• Pour into a glass and garnish it with sliced banana and strawberry.

Quinoa Porridge

Quinoa is a complete protein (contains all 9 amino acids). Its flavonoid content helps protect against cancer. The fiber content helps in constipation.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup quinoa
• ½ tsp of cinnamon
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 apples (chopped)
• ½ tbsp of flax seeds

Method:

Put the quinoa and water in a pan. Let it boil. Once boiled, cook it on a medium flame for 10 minutes. Add all the ingredients and serve.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and micronutrients. They may lower blood sugar and help prevent certain cancers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin seeds
• Salt
• 2 tsp butter

Method:

Preheat the oven at 300℉. Mix seeds, butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Bake it for 45 minutes. Serve it after cooling.

Almond Butter

Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, B, calcium, and magnesium. Almonds help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. These lower the risk of heart diseases and enhance brain function. You can eat whole almonds as snacks or try some delicious recipes such as almond butter.

Almond butter can be enjoyed with fresh fruits or by spreading it on toast. It can also be added to oatmeals, shakes, smoothies, yogurt, and desserts. It is a great substitute for unhealthy snacks to satisfy hunger in between meals.

Ingredients:

• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 cups of almonds

Method:

• Preheat the oven at 350℉ and warm the almonds for 10 minutes.
• Add the almonds to a blender and blend till they turn creamy.
• You can add salt or other spices to enhance its taste.
• Transfer in a jar and refrigerate.

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are great healthy snacks as they are rich in antioxidants and improve heart health. They are loaded with fibre and help in weight reduction.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of chia seeds
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter
• 1/3 cup water
• A pinch of stevia

Method:

Add water and chia seeds to a bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and add cocoa powder, peanut butter, and stevia (sweetener).

Beet Cashew Latte

• ½ raw cashews
• ¼ cup dates
• 2 tsp beet powder
• 2 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Soak the cashews for 10 minutes in boiling water. Add soaked cashews and other ingredients to a blender and make a smooth paste. Transfer to a saucepan and warm on low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Black Sesame Soup

Ingredients:

• ½ cup black sesame seeds
• 2 cup water
• ½ cup cashews
• 2 tbsp rolled oats
• Sweetener

Method:

Blend all the ingredients for 4 minutes. Transfer in a bowl and enjoy the soup after topping with roasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, and nuts.

Chocolate and Goji Berry Nut Mix Trail Mix

• ¼ cup walnut
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup goji berries
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup coconut chips

Method:

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. You can try adding different nuts (almonds) of your choice. You can carry this ready-to-eat healthy snack in your bag or purse and munch whenever you feel hungry!

Oatmeal Raisins Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cup oats
• ¾ cup raisins
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup almond butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Blend raisins, one cup of oats, and cinnamon. To this, add the remaining ¼ cup oats, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Refrigerate for an hour and then make small balls using your hands and enjoy.

Sweet and Spicy Peanuts

The sweet and spicy peanuts are an excellent afternoon snack option and are easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder

Method:

Preheat the oven at 325℉. Mix peanuts and honey in a bowl. Mix sugar, chili powder, salt, and cumin in another bowl. Then toss all the ingredients to coat well. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven with stirring after every 5 minutes. Remove from the oven when the coating is thickened. Your healthy and yummy snack is ready to eat.