Top 10 healthy snacks
November 6, 2007 7:01 AM   Subscribe

Three square meals a day is all well and good, but we all sometimes need a little something in between – particularly when we live an active lifestyle. However, snacking can easily become a diet downfall rather than an energy boost – so with that in mind, here are the top ten healthy snacking options, which you can use to fill a gap without piling on the calories!

Almonds ‘n’ apricots
Almonds are high in protein and fibre, as well as being low-GI, a good source of magnesium, and rich in vitamin E (an antioxidant). Dried apricots, on the other hand, are rich in carotenes – which may lower the risk of cancers of the throat and lungs – and provide you with potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Interestingly, dried apricots have a far greater nutritional value than fresh ones because the nutrient content is so concentrated. Gram for gram, dried apricots have 12 times the iron, seven times the fibre and five times the vitamin A of fresh ones. The best way to eat this snack is to impale the almonds in the apricots!

Yoghurt ‘n’ honey
Yoghurt is low in fat, high in calcium and good for your gut. A recent study also found that people who got their calcium from yoghurt rather than other dairy sources lost more weight around the tummy area. Opt for low-fat, unflavoured varieties that contain probiotic bacteria, and add a touch of sweetness with honey. Honey has been shown to increase the blood’s level of protective antioxidants, and may also be a useful diet addition for people with high cholesterol. According to research, using honey instead of sugar or an artificial sweetener can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase HDL (or ‘good’) cholesterol.

Apples ‘n’ pears
By eating these you can put two ticks against your five-a-day fruit ‘n’ veg target! Apples are high in pectin, a soluble fibre; contain quercetin – an antioxidant that can reduce damage caused by cholesterol; and have a high water content, which will help to keep your thirst satiated. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C. Pears are high in potassium and are also a good source of fibre and vitamin C. A study in 2003 found that women who consumed three apples or pears a day for three months lost more weight than women who had a similar calorie-controlled diet but did not have the fruit.

A homemade smoothie or similar (i.e. no added sugar, sweetener or additives)
While a fruit juice counts towards your all-important fruit and veg target, it doesn’t offer any fibre at all. A smoothie, on the other hand, contains the pulp of the fruit and not just the juice, and provides you with fibre plus a good array of vitamins and minerals. It also boosts hydration, of course – and research from Penn State University in the US found that liquid foods help you to feel full for longer, making you less likely to overeat later on. For maximum health benefits, choose a berry-rich flavour smoothie.

Dark chocolate
Chocolate has an unnecessarily bad press in health terms. Yes, a nougat or sugar-filled milk chocolate bar the size of a brick isn’t the best choice, but you can eat chocolate as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa solids is a good source of antioxidants – particularly flavonoids, which are the type that are found in green tea and red wine. And while chocolate is high in fat, it consists of saturated types – including stearic and palmitic acid – and oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. A number of studies have found that chocolate's main fat, stearic acid, has a neutral effect on the LDL (or ‘bad’) cholesterol. Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure, and has twice the magnesium of and more iron than milk chocolate. Plus chocolate makes us feel good!

Peanut butter on crispbreads
This is the perfect combination of protein, fat, carbohydrate, and lots of fibre. While peanut butter is high in fat, it’s the unsaturated (or ‘good’) kind – and peanuts are a great source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Peanut butter is also rich in protein – so is an especially good option for vegetarians! – and a good source of magnesium. Opt to spread the peanut butter on rye crispbreads – which are low in salt, high in fibre and have a low GI – so you won’t get an energy high followed by a crash.

Hummus and crudités
A tasty, crunchy snack that’s perfect if you’ve got cold storage nearby. Hummus is best when you make it yourself using chickpeas – but if you don’t have time to do this, opt for the reduced fat variety, which will supply you with vitamin E, manganese, and disease-fighting garlic. Use raw veg – such as beta-carotene-rich carrot sticks and potassium-rich celery – to dip into the hummus, in order to boost your fibre intake.

Seeds and raisins mix
While seeds are high in fat, it is mostly unsaturated ‘healthy’ fat – and since they weigh so little, they are easy to eat on the move. Seeds are also high in protein and a good source of phytosterols – plant compounds which are believed to reduce cholesterol and enhance immune function. In a US Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry report, sunflower seeds proved to be the best source of phytosterols – as well as being a good source of magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and vitamin E. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacins – a substance that appears to help prevent prostate enlargement – and are also a good source of zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Research also suggests pumpkin seeds might have anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in curbing the symptoms of arthritis. Add a handful of raisins to this mix and you’ll be upping your iron intake and potassium intake.

Grapes and cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, you are probably only too aware of its high saturated fat content – which is particularly the case for the harder varieties. But it’s not all bad: hard cheese such as cheddar is a great source of calcium and phosphorus, and is one of the few good sources of vitamins B2 and B12 for non-meat eaters. Plus, if you buy stronger-tasting cheeses, you will only want to eat a little at a time. Eat with red grapes to up your fibre and fruit intake. Grapes contain polyphenols – antioxidants which are helpful to the heart – and ellagic acid, which is a cancer-fighting phytochemical.

Avocado on toast
Avocado is something of a ‘superfood’, as it’s rich in vitamin E, high in monounsaturated fats and a good source of potassium – as well as vitamin B6, which aids the process of serotonin synethesis (a process that promotes good mood). Spread half a ‘medium ripe’ avocado on a slice of wholemeal toast to get a tasty, wholesome, low-GI snack containing a healthy dose of fibre. And if you like a spicy touch, sprinkle it with a dash of Tabasco sauce!

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posted by Hollow_MarkeD (70 comments total)

This post was deleted for the following reason: What? -- cortex



 
fuck off
posted by slater at 7:03 AM on November 6, 2007


and die.
posted by majick at 7:04 AM on November 6, 2007


I don't know if this will last long.
posted by Totally Zanzibarin' Ya at 7:05 AM on November 6, 2007


Banning 'n' Tasering
posted by Totally Zanzibarin' Ya at 7:06 AM on November 6, 2007 [2 favorites]


Spamming deserves Lasering.
posted by majick at 7:07 AM on November 6, 2007


Oh yeah. In before lock.

and now my comment will be deleted beforee this thread is deleted
posted by GuyZero at 7:08 AM on November 6, 2007


bah.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 7:09 AM on November 6, 2007


also: your mama.
posted by bhance at 7:10 AM on November 6, 2007


What the hell is a mamarathon?
posted by Totally Zanzibarin' Ya at 7:11 AM on November 6, 2007


Mmmm, sweet righteous indignation. I'm savoring this moment.
posted by Mercaptan at 7:11 AM on November 6, 2007


Member since July... Wonder why he waited so long?
posted by BinGregory at 7:12 AM on November 6, 2007


I'm mostly just hanging around so I can see a good, cruel deletion note. We still get cruel deletion notes, right?
posted by majick at 7:13 AM on November 6, 2007


Serotonin synethesis ain't gonna happen in this thread.
posted by JanetLand at 7:13 AM on November 6, 2007


dear critics: you better eat some healthy food and do some exercise outdoors instead of sitting the whole day in front of your computers, swearing at people you don't even know.

love is the answer xxx
posted by Hollow_MarkeD at 7:13 AM on November 6, 2007 [3 favorites]


INCREDULITY! INDIGNATION! OUTRAGE!
posted by oddman at 7:14 AM on November 6, 2007


dear critics: you better eat some healthy food and do some exercise outdoors instead of sitting the whole day in front of your computers, swearing at people you don't even know.

Go fuck yourself.
posted by Totally Zanzibarin' Ya at 7:14 AM on November 6, 2007 [4 favorites]


OH MY GOD YOU SUCK SO MUCH I JUST LOVE IT! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by ND¢ at 7:15 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


We don't take kindly to yer type 'round here...
posted by backseatpilot at 7:15 AM on November 6, 2007


Good god, you're HANGING AROUND TO READ COMMENTS ON YOUR SPAM? Don't you have some twigs and nuts to eat?
posted by majick at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007 [2 favorites]


Ok, that is a great response to the Mefi snark squad!
posted by oddman at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007


you better eat some healthy food and do some exercise outdoors instead of sitting the whole day in front of your computers, swearing at people you don't even know.

This morning, I ate oatmeal with bananas, and drank some green tea containing some matcha powder. Tonight, I will head out for a run.

And fuck you.
posted by ibmcginty at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007 [5 favorites]


And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the official opening bell on Phase II of this flameout.
posted by bhance at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007


The loss tag is particularly appropriate here.
posted by uncleozzy at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007


As god is my witness, one day I will be armed. And then we'll start The Reaping.
posted by aramaic at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2007


Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding --- we haaaaave a wiiiiiiner!
posted by AwkwardPause at 7:18 AM on November 6, 2007


I'm so glad that's going to get deleted...
posted by AwkwardPause at 7:18 AM on November 6, 2007


I heard the guy from realbuzz.com used to eat paste in the fifth grade.
posted by bondcliff at 7:18 AM on November 6, 2007


Ceiling cat is watching you eat 'medium ripe' avocado on toast.
posted by ulotrichous at 7:18 AM on November 6, 2007


While we're all here, I don't know whether you've really considered the advantages of owning a really fine set of modern encyclopedias. You know, they can really do you wonders.
posted by krinklyfig at 7:20 AM on November 6, 2007


I have nothing to say, I just love getting a word in on deleted threads.
posted by PenDevil at 7:22 AM on November 6, 2007


I would like to subscribe to your encyclopedia.
posted by majick at 7:22 AM on November 6, 2007


Not only that, encyclopedias are an excellent source of roughage, and can be used to bludgeon local hoboes so that you can harvest their precious marrow.
posted by aramaic at 7:23 AM on November 6, 2007 [4 favorites]


I would like to subscribe to your hoboes.
posted by majick at 7:23 AM on November 6, 2007 [2 favorites]


It's the CD Rom age my friend.
posted by Totally Zanzibarin' Ya at 7:24 AM on November 6, 2007


I would like to subscribe to your CDROM.
posted by majick at 7:24 AM on November 6, 2007


I heartily agree with all of your tasty choices and I sincerely commend this unbiased post.
posted by iconomy at 7:24 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


I would not like to subscribe to your health food newsletter.
posted by majick at 7:25 AM on November 6, 2007


Could I share with you the amazing wonders of pomegranate juice? And if you become an "associate" the rewards just keep coming!
posted by arcticwoman at 7:25 AM on November 6, 2007


Encyclopedias are unfortunately only the 11th healthiest breakfast food and as such didn't make the list.

Man I sure am glad the asscocks at realbuzz.com are telling us what to eat, I am so lost in the mornings.

Also, what should I wear?
posted by splice at 7:25 AM on November 6, 2007


KEEP OUT OF EYE! DELETE! DELETE! OK!
posted by everichon at 7:26 AM on November 6, 2007


Pants.

To which I will not subscribe.
posted by majick at 7:26 AM on November 6, 2007


Tase him, bro.
posted by patr1ck at 7:27 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


Hobo skin suits.
posted by ND¢ at 7:27 AM on November 6, 2007


They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.

But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another's throats.

Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don't have any kids yourself.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 7:27 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


Oh, by the way, our spammer friend is reading and responding to "mefi mail." Isn't that terribly amusing in a manner which I heartily do not encourage any readers to abuse?
posted by majick at 7:28 AM on November 6, 2007


See, you think it's a normal post from the front page...then you click through and BAM, that other think hits you!
posted by jacalata at 7:28 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


APPLY DIRECTLY TO FOREHEAD MOTHERFUCKERS!!!!!111!!11!
posted by Mister_A at 7:28 AM on November 6, 2007 [2 favorites]


Personally, I recommend the spam 'n' ban.
posted by brain_drain at 7:28 AM on November 6, 2007


One question I still have, however, is whether or not runners and the like make better BBQ. Seriously. Should I really bother harvesting hoboes, or would I be better off with a nice spry runner?

I'm a little worried runners would be too stringy, but hoboes can be sort of, well, "ripe".

I prefer to eat only top-quality flesh, so if runners are better then it's definitely worth the additional risk of arrest. But, by the same token, if they're worse then I definitely want to stick to hoboes.
posted by aramaic at 7:28 AM on November 6, 2007


Although, hummus and crudity are two tastes that go well together. I always like a jolly sodomy joke with my middle eastern fare.
posted by everichon at 7:29 AM on November 6, 2007


FART
posted by stenseng at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


Wait, you're saying I should sodomize middle-easterners before eating them?
posted by aramaic at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007


WTF is "mamarathon"? (see tags). Jeez this thread really is useless without the img tag.
posted by Mister_A at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007


sorry, just nipped out for a brisk nordic walk and a fresh berry shake. anyone interested in some more info about healthy living? you might want to check out this site

xxx
posted by Hollow_MarkeD at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007


I made brownies last night. Yeah, you heard me. Do something about it, "mark"
posted by John Kenneth Fisher at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007


I predicted this in the Gift Day thread. You are welcome.
posted by DU at 7:30 AM on November 6, 2007


Dear sir, that site you linked was definitely NOT triple-X. Now I've lost my erection. Damn you.
posted by aramaic at 7:31 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


Is spam considered a healthy snack?
posted by ardgedee at 7:31 AM on November 6, 2007


LALALALALALALALALA!!!!!!!!
posted by notsnot at 7:31 AM on November 6, 2007


Mister_A: A "mamarathon", similar to the "joggling" thread of yesterday, is a marathon run while breastfeeding the entire way. This is obviously a two person event (except for the extremely flexible).
posted by InnocentBystander at 7:32 AM on November 6, 2007


pull my finger
posted by jason's_planet at 7:32 AM on November 6, 2007


Was that a metaphorical walk that excels in its walking capacity? Or a literal walk?
posted by majick at 7:32 AM on November 6, 2007 [1 favorite]


Oatmeal, eh? I had a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, store-brand OJ, just finished off some 7-11 coffee and a few thieved pieces of Halloween candy. Tonight, I will sit on the couch while my 8, 5, and 2 year old boys jump on my tired, sore carcass. AND I WILL STILL OUTLIVE YOU BY 10 YEARS.
posted by Brocktoon at 7:33 AM on November 6, 2007


Cool.
posted by dead_ at 7:33 AM on November 6, 2007


Spam? Performance art? I'm all confused.

WHAT IS REAL, PEOPLE?!?!?
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:34 AM on November 6, 2007


p.s: a "Mamarathon" is a German version of a marathon, except that you run it together with your Mama [Mother]. i'm a bit tired now ..good bye!
posted by Hollow_MarkeD at 7:34 AM on November 6, 2007


Flagged as "fantastic post."
posted by dead_ at 7:34 AM on November 6, 2007


xxx

die die die.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 7:34 AM on November 6, 2007


reading this thread MY healthy snack.
posted by tarantula at 7:34 AM on November 6, 2007


Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus.
posted by mrgrimm at 7:35 AM on November 6, 2007


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