December 6, 2020: Satisfying Snacks

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December is a big month for celebrations and the time of year it’s easiest to get off track. One of the best ways to avoid overeating or indulging in the unhealthy holiday spreads is to bring your own snacks. This week, we’re going to talk about how to jazz up your snacks with a few nutritious ideas to keep you energized through the day.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Cantaloupe Pieces – Salty and sweet is the best snack combination, and this is a delicious way to enjoy that flavor profile. Cantaloupe is high in Vitamins A and C and potassium. It’s also rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation, keep your eyes healthy, and reduce your risk of disease. Prosciutto is dry-cured ham, and while you don’t want to over do it with this fancy deli meat, it does contain a good amount of protein and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Red Bell Pepper with Guacamole – While peppers in general are nutritious, red pepper is higher in antioxidants and contains over 300% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Guacamole contains healthy fat and fiber, and, together, this pair is delicious.

Cauliflower, Lime Juice, and Cumin – Cauliflower is full of fiber, so you can snack on it and it will hold you over until your next meal. Adding a splash of lime juice gives you a flavorful dose of Vitamin C, and the addition of the spicy cumin makes it a quick tasty snack that rivals chips and salsa at the table.

Turkey, Pesto, and Zucchini Roll Up – Full of flavor and packed with protein, this snack is a treat. Thinly sliced zucchini is low in calories, but high in fiber and water, so it can improve digestion. It’s also rich in B-vitamins and can give you a boost of energy during a long day. Pesto provides the healthy fat with the olive oil base, and turkey is low fat and high protein.

Dark Chocolate and Almonds – This portable duo is a nutrition powerhouse. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao contains flavonoids with the potential to lower blood pressure, therefore reducing your risk of heart disease. Almonds contain heart-healthy fats and can regulate blood sugar. Both dark chocolate and almonds are also high in magnesium.

Dates with Nut Butter – This tasty treat that will nip your sweet tooth in the bud is full of protein and potassium. It’s a naturally sweet combo without the sugar. Dates are high in fiber, antioxidants, and several nutrients that reduce your risk of disease. Nut butters are heart-healthy fat sources and high in protein.

Healthy snacks that satisfy your cravings don’t have to be the same boring foods. With a few simple, natural ingredients, you can create a snack that’s not only satisfying but full of nutritional benefits.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about the basics of macronutrients and how you can use them to create a healthy eating plan.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

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I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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