Snacks: eat this, not that!
If that evening snack attack seems to creep up on you and totally throw your healthy eating habits for a loop, you’re going to want in on this eat this, not that (snack addition).
And, the good news is that not all snacks are bad. In fact, with a few simple snack hacks, snacking can actually be healthy.
Here’s the eat this not that snack addition you need to help keep your plant-based diet on track.
Eat This, Not That! Snack Edition
#1 Homemade Trail Mix vs. Granola Bars
While granola bars definitely make a convenient on the go snack treat, many of them are loaded with added sugar. To cut back on your sugar intake, try mixing up a batch of homemade trail mix with some of your favorite nuts and seeds and some raw cacao nibs for a decadent and nutritious snack.
Some additional delicious homemade trail mix add ins include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Raisins
- Goji berries
#2 Real Fruit vs. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is another one of those easy and convenient treats to munch on when hunger cravings hit, but many brands pour in the added sugar, which doesn’t make for the healthiest snack. Instead, enjoy the real thing by snacking on some sliced bananas and almond butter or apple and peanut butter for an all-time favorite snack.
#3 Homemade Popcorn vs. Bagged Butter Popcorn
Craving some popcorn to enjoy as a Friday movie night snack? Skip the bagged version, as some aren’t plant-based, and many contain tons of added sodium. Instead, grab a box of those old fashioned popcorn kernels, and sprinkle the final product with some nutritional yeast for an added plant-based cheesy and nutritious boost!
#4 Nut Butter Dates vs. Cookies
Cookies are often a go-to snack, especially when you’re on the go and craving something sweet. But, with a healthy swap like dates served with a slab of nut butter, not only will you satisfy that sweet tooth craving, but you’ll fuel up on something nutritious too (win, win!)
#5 Guilt-free Chocolate Shake vs. Ice Cream
Have an ice cream hankering, but want to keep things healthy and plant-based? No problem! Try blending up a healthy chocolate shake with almond milk, a frozen banana, and some raw cacao powder for a guilt-free shake that happens to be vegan too.
Tip: More of a strawberry shake fan? Try making a strawberry milkshake using almond milk, a frozen banana, and a handful of frozen strawberries for another delicious option.
Snack Smarter With These Healthy Swaps
Snacking doesn’t always have to be unhealthy. In fact, with healthy snacking habits, you can actually help support your health by keeping blood sugar levels stable between meals. And, with more stable blood sugar comes a better mood, so snack when you’re hungry! Just be sure to keep it clean, and swap out any unhealthy options with one of these plant-based options instead.
You would be surprised at how just a few healthy snack hacks can make snacking not only healthy but delicious as well.
