Many individuals categorize healthy foods as clusters of green, bland vegetables when that is not always the case. However, there are several other types of foods that can provide you with different beneficial nutrients. Are you filling up on too many dry Cheerios that you are too full to eat dinner? Or, are you not snacking at all and tend to overeat during meals? Finding the right balance is essential to maintain a healthy life. If you are a person who loves to snack and is always looking to expand their palate, I have compiled four salty and sweet snacks that are sustainable.
Banana Almond Butter Sandwiches
Scoop out two tablespoons of almond butter and chop a medium to large sized banana into slices. Like an Oreo, apply the almond butter with a spreader to one banana slice and top it off with another banana slice. Almond butter is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which reduce the risk of heart disease and maintain healthy blood pressure. As an antioxidant, you also get an excellent vitamin E source, which can lower cholesterol when consumed. Bananas are great as a source of potassium and vitamin C, which also helps reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain several fibers that promote your digestive health.
Ricotta Cheese and Strawberries on a Bagel
Spread at most one cup of ricotta cheese on a sprouted whole-grain bagel. Cut up around five strawberries and place them on top of the ricotta. Ricotta cheese is high in protein, Omega-3, and calcium, where it can help maintain healthy bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function. Strawberries are very high in water and low in carbohydrates and can help regulate your body’s sugar levels. When the carbohydrates break down into the body as simple sugars, they release into the bloodstream, which causes the body to secrete insulin to use the sugars as fuel or storage.
Pretzel Chips with Avocado
I love The Original Pretzel Crisps because they are light and salty. Paired with a 1/3 cup of avocado dip, this snack gives you natural fatty acids and fibers that can improve your digestion and provide numerous other health benefits.
Frozen Yogurt Blueberries
Freeze a half cup of blueberries dipped in Greek yogurt for three hours or overnight for more effective results. I use Chobani Original yogurt. Personally, these dipped blueberries taste like mini ice cream pops, a delicious and healthy sweet snack. Blueberries are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Greek yogurt contains higher levels of protein and fat, as opposed to regular types of yogurt.