Watching a movie till late night or reading till wee hours of the morning while munching on junk? Here are some healthy food options for you to satisfy untimely hunger cravings wherein eating unhealthy food can adversely affect your health.
Control over cravings can be quite difficult. So it is utmost important that you substitute eating junk with healthy food options. Craving sweet something or a savory delight, say yes to these healthy snacking options. Now no more guilt for eating crisps or indulgent brownies, replace them with healthier ingredients.
-
- Almonds Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E and antioxidants and munching on them is a healthy option. Eat a handful of roasted almonds and you are bound to feel full. This will help curb hunger cravings and also help in weight management.
- Avocado The creamy goodness of nature, avocado is slowly becoming a favorite of many. Avocados are full of fiber and heart healthy monounsaturated fat. Instead of eating a toast with cheese or a burger, have a whole wheat toast with sliced avocados, lemon juice, and Himalayan salt when hunger comes uninvited. When eaten in moderation, avocados are effective in suppressing appetite. The compounds present send signals to the brain that tell your stomach it is feeling full.
- Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt has become a trend in the health and fitness world. Everyone is raving about it. It has a thicker and creamier texture with a tart taste. Add berries, nuts, or chopped fruit to it and make a healthy bowl. It is packed with probiotics, calcium, and fiber, all good for your gut. Green yogurt has more protein as compared to normal yogurt. Health experts say that eating Greek yogurt will help your stay fuller for long.
-
-
-
Apples An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are full of soluble fiber and pectin that helps you stay full for longer. In addition, apples are loaded with antioxidants and essential nutrients, so you can enjoy them for guilt free snacking. Apples require a lot of chewing time. This slows you down and gives your body more time to realize that you’re feeling full. You can drizzle a spoonful of honey for sweet carvings, or add some cinnamon powder as well. Having apple slices with peanut butter is also a healthy choice for your daily dose of protein.
-
Eggs Eggs are one of the best healthy snacks that you choose. They are rich source of protein, helping them build muscles and repair body tissues. Relish 2 hard boiled eggs sprinkled with salt, cracked black pepper, and lemon juice with a cup of lemon tea or green coffee as your evening snack. In a study it was found that those who eat eggs for breakfast consume 330 fewer calories during the day as compared to those who eat bagels for breakfast.
-
Sweet Potatoes When we talk about healthy foods and diets, potatoes are the last thing to cross our mind. But do you know that sweet potatoes have a special type of starch that resists digestive enzymes? This property helps them stay in the stomach longer making you feel fuller. Have roasted or boiled sweet potato sprinkled with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. It’ll be a healthy snacking option and you’ll get your dose of vitamin A and vitamin C as well.
-
Energy Bars Energy bars are the perfect combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. These bars are also full of fiber, making them good for digestion and overall health. It is like sheer goodness in each bite. You can choose from a wide variety of energy bars available in the market. These bars are packed with minerals and vitamins that provide benefits of increased energy and endurance. At times when you’re craving something sweet, energy bars are a great replacement.
-
-
-
-
- Roasted Chickpeas When you’re craving something crunchy and salty, opt for healthy roasted chickpeas instead of munching on a packet of chips. 1 serving of roasted chickpeas has about 120 calories with 5g protein and 5g fiber. Fiber is good for your digestive system. You can alter the seasonings for different taste. Have a cup of roasted chickpeas as your evening snack with a cup of coffee or tea and you’ll feel full till dinner.
- Popcorn Crunchy popcorn and cola! Perfect movie accompaniments. Popcorn is the only grain based snack that is 100% unprocessed whole grain. They are low in calories and make the perfect munching snack. Make sure you have the air popped ones without any added butter. Research shows that popcorn contains even more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables. The best part about popcorn is that you can various flavors to suit your taste.
- Chia Pudding The world is going gaga over chia seeds. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and are high in fiber and protein. Also these are gluten free. You can easily make a chia seed pudding at home and eat something healthy. In a bowl whisk 3 cups refrigerated almond milk or coconut milk. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then whisk gain. Add to this ¾ cup chia seeds, nuts, and your favorite fruits. Your bowl of a healthy pudding is ready to be relished.
-
Apart from these healthy foods, you can also munch on these healthy snacks –
-
-
- Hummus and Veggies Dips and veggies make an easy snack. When you have a bowl of delicious hummus and tempting pita chips, it becomes difficult to resist. But replacing pita chips with veggies is a healthier option. Hummus provides a creamy salty flavor, while veggies provide that crunch and are a good source of fiber and protein.
- Spiced Pumpkin Seeds Including seeds and nuts in your diet is greatly beneficial for you. They are great for heart health, liver health, and prevent insomnia. They are rich in magnesium which is needed for bone formation and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil and spice powder, bake them at 350 degrees F or lightly roast them. Add them to salads, or mix them with flax seeds and other nuts and have them as a late night snack with a cup of hot milk.
- Vegetable Soup On a cold winter evening, there is nothing like a cup of hot soup. For those evening hunger pangs, vegetable soup is a healthy option. You can prepare a broth of lots of vegetables and have it as an appetizer. It’ll make you feel full and you’ll tend to consume fewer calories in the main course. You can also have soup as the main course. Add boiled chicken, whole wheat noodles, or boiled egg to it and make it a healthy wholesome meal.
- Kale Chips For all those who crave chips, kale chips are a healthier replacement to potato chips. You can buy a packet from any supermarket, or make them at home also. Just tear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange them on a large baking dish. Drizzle olive oil and bake at 350 degrees F or until crisp. Sprinkle salt and seasoning of your choice and enjoy. Kale helps lower blood glucose levels, supports heart health, improved calcium absorption, and is high in fiber. You can also try nachni chips or jackfruit chips.
-
-
-
- Goji Berries Cannot stress how beneficial these red berries are for you. Originally used in ancient Chinese medicines, goji berries have gained a lot of popularity. Their chewy, tart taste satiates those untimely cravings. They are low in calories, have zero fat, and an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. So for guilt free snacking, goji berries can be your go to options. Add them to your smoothies or bowl of cereal for added flavor.
- Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad The next time when you crave something delicious and are confused what to eat, have a bowl of watermelon and feta cheese salad. The perfect balance of sweet and savory makes this a refreshing snack. Watermelon is low calorie, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while feta cheese is high in calcium and protein. For added zing you can drizzle balsamic vinegar and sprinkle flaxseeds or chia seeds and make the recipe healthier.
- Dark Chocolate Chocolate is everyone’s favorite treat. But did you think that it will be included in the list of healthy foods for untimely hunger cravings? When you have sweet cravings, eating a few pieces of dark chocolate is a good bet. Check the label before you eat. Choose chocolates with at least 70% cacao. The higher percentage of cacao, the less sugar added. Dark chocolate is full of heart protective flavanoids that help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases. It also keeps the brain sharp and your skin well moisturized and hydrated. Giving in to those unhealthy and untimely cravings is very easy. Stay strong and let the temptation not overpower your willpower. Say yes to these healthy snacks and give your body a boost of good ingredients and nutrients.
-
