Snacking between meals is common, especially at times of the year when we are more relaxed. Until a few years ago, the most common thing was to resort to ultra-processed snacks. However, this is no longer the case, consumption habits have changed. Now people are looking for much healthier options that do not unbalance the diet, which is why healthy snacks have gained ground in food stores.
But what are the best options for those days when you feel like snacking? Keep reading, because in El Nogal Wellness Nuts we give you all the keys.
Healthy snacks, the best option
There are those who like to have a mid-afternoon snack or even some people like snacking while preparing food or doing some other task. This, far from being a bad thing, can even provide us with high quality nutrients and help balance our diet.
However, if snacking before lunch or dinner, it is advisable to reduce the amount at these meals to avoid excessive calorie consumption. And, above all, it is essential to always opt for healthy snacks that maintain a good balance between fats, carbohydrates and proteins and that are based mainly on healthy and unprocessed foods.
Among the most appetizing and in demand by consumers looking for a healthy and tasty snack are the following:
Almonds
The Almond is the queen of nuts. Its many varieties, Marcona, Largueta or Comuna demonstrate the great interest it arouses and its great versatility for all kinds of recipes. As an appetizer, it can be eaten toasted to appreciate its full flavor. It provides proteins and minerals such as calcium in large quantities and is also delicious.
Pickles
Vegetables and greens in a fermented state and generally preserved in vinegar. Undoubtedly, one of the most traditional healthy snacks in Spain and with infinite possibilities. Green and black olives of all sizes and with different dressings. Pickles, onions, capers, lupins… Many of them are also a sign of cultural identity in different regions such as olives in Andalusia or piparras (small green chilli peppers) in Navarra. They are healthy, with a very low caloric intake and an unforgettable taste.
Edamame
Although by their appearance it is very easy to relate edamame with peas, the truth is that they are soybean pods that are boiled in salted water and eaten by opening them and shelling the beans. They are low in calories, gluten-free and cholesterol-free, and they are also great for entertainment. They provide fiber, calcium and vegetable protein, making them a great addition to our healthy snack list.
Hummus
Hummus is one of those snacks that has been gaining more and more space over the years. This cream of cooked chickpeas, olive oil, tahini paste and lemon juice is of Arab tradition and has made a niche for itself on supermarket shelves thanks to its presentation as a tasty and healthy alternative for those moments when you feel like a snack.
Walnuts
If almonds top the list of healthy snacks, walnuts could not be missing. The reason is that they have very beneficial nutritional properties for our organism.
They keep cholesterol at bay thanks to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids and they are also a source of protein. But not only that, they are also rich in minerals such as zinc, they provide a good amount of vitamin B and several studies show that they are beneficial for memory and cognitive function of the brain, in addition to increasing the production of serotonin.
Fruits and vegetables
There are many people who, when thinking about snacking between meals, even when they clearly prefer healthy snacks, do not consider fruits or vegetables. And this is a mistake. Apples, carrots, grapefruit, oranges… There are thousands of options and there are few things as healthy and beneficial as eating several pieces of fruit a day.
In addition, they can be ideal to combine with other snacks on the list, apple wedges with walnuts or almonds or carrot sticks with hummus are very quick, easy and great tasting solutions.
El Nogal Wellness Nuts, premium quality nuts supplier
As you have seen, it is easy to eat between meals without ruining a balanced diet thanks to a wide variety of healthy snacks that in addition to all their nutritional and energetic contributions do not sacrifice an ounce of flavor.
From El Nogal Wellness Nuts we take care of providing the best quality nuts to the entire food sector and retailers so that they can always offer these options. Unique ingredients and carefully selected recipes for lovers of healthy snacks.
For more information, download the El Nogal product catalog.
