Whether you have children or not, snacks are probably one of those things that you both love and hate. You love how they taste but hate what they can do to your body. In moderation, there’s nothing wrong with snacks. Unfortunately, most store-bought snacks aren’t designed to be eaten in moderation.
Many snacks are filled with sugar or salt. About 75% of Americans reportedly eat too much sugar, and sugar addiction is a genuine health concern. But you can snack responsibly, especially if you make homemade snacks.
Homemade Cookies
No, cookies aren’t healthy. But if you make them at home, you can control exactly what goes in them. That means that they probably won’t have the same amount of sugar as store-bought cookies, and they certainly won’t have the same preservatives or stabilizers. Not only that, you will taste the difference.
For example, homemade almond cookies often have more almonds than most store-bought versions, simply because the manufacturer would seek to save money by cutting down on the nuts. This means that your version has a higher nutritional value and a better, more almondy flavor and texture.
Some cookie recipes are designed to be healthier, using far less sugar but still filling that hole in your stomach.
Fruit and Nuts
It’s simple, classic, and maybe a little obvious, but fruit and nuts make a great switch from other snacks. If you fancy something sweet, reach for an apple or a banana rather than the cookie jar. Or if you want something savory, go for a handful of nuts instead of chips.
The best way to take advantage of this is to put a little bit of effort into it. Fruit is delicious on its own, but consider quickly blending up a nice smoothie or serving it with yogurt and honey. You can even sprinkle some nuts on for a little bit of texture. You still get the sweet, salty hit that you’re craving, but it isn’t empty calories.
Rather than buying pre-roasted and salted nuts, which usually have far too much salt on them, consider roasting and seasoning your own. Simply lay them onto a tray and roast with a little oil until slightly browned and fragrant, then add salt, pepper, and whatever spices you fancy. They will taste incredible and be far healthier than the store-bought version. You should still eat them in moderation, however, as nuts do contain fat.
Chips and Dip
Chips and dips aren’t healthy, I hear you cry. You’re right, they aren’t. Unless you make your own. One of the healthiest ways to do this is to either buy or make hummus and dip with vegetables, such as carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber.
This is genuinely delicious and very good for you, but sometimes you want something with a little more crunch. If this is the case, then use corn tortillas to make your chips. Cut them into triangles and roast in the oven until crispy. Season, then eat with hummus, salsa, or a homemade yogurt dip.
