Healthy snack ideas to fuel your body for activity
We all love a snack, so why not make it healthy!
Not only is healthy snacking a great way to curb hunger and give your body some extra nutrients, it can also help fuel your body before exercise. Let’s delve into why regular healthy snacks, as well as drinking enough water, are an important part of a balanced diet.
Benefits of snacking
With only 4% of Australian adults eating enough vegetables, having some healthy snacks throughout the day that use vegetables can help boost your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. If you are getting peckish in between meals, snacking on some high protein, high fibre foods can also prevent over-indulging on a sugary snack later. Keeping a full water bottle at your desk to remind you to stay hydrated is also important, as often when we are dehydrated, we will feel hungry instead of thirsty.
Snacks and exercise
When we exercise, our digestion slows right down, which means that food can sit in our stomach for longer than usual and cause some discomfort during a workout. Having a small snack, 1-2 hours before exercise gives your food enough time to digest and provides your body with the energy it needs to complete the activity. It is also important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re going to be exercising. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day, and if your taste buds are after something a bit more exciting, try teas, naturally flavoured water, or sparkling water.
Building a balanced snack
The two key nutrients to think about when choosing snack options are protein and fibre, as both of these help you to feel full and will keep you going throughout the afternoon. For some added vitamins and minerals, throw in some vegetables or fruit where you can! Here are some simple and nutritious snack ideas:
- homemade baked oatmeal bars
- fruit and vegetable smoothie
- fresh or tinned fruit
- homemade bliss balls
- small handful of nuts or trail mix
- guacamole with wholegrain crackers
- homemade savoury muffins
Last updated: October 28, 2021 at: 2:39 pm