Staying fit doesn’t have to mean giving up on snacks completely. Of course, it’s important to limit your intake of salt-loaded, low-fiber processed foods if a healthier body is your goal. But luckily, there are plenty of nutritious options out there that can keep you satiated, satisfy your cravings, and help you reach your dream body. It’s all about making smart swaps and enjoying your snacks in moderation.
To discover a few of the best savory snacks out there that can support you on your fitness journey, we spoke to Michelle Saari, RD MSc, health and nutrition specialist at eHealth Project. She told us that kale chips, edamame, and air-popped popcorn are three fantastic choices. Find all of her expert insight about the benefits of these snacks below.
1. Kale Chips
Say goodbye to potato chips and make way for a healthier alternative! Although they're one of the most popular options out there, processed potato chips are also among the unhealthiest foods because they can pack in calories without offering any nutritional value. Kale chips, on the other hand, are a tasty snack that your body will love as much as your taste buds do. As Saari notes, "They are low in calories but high in vitamins, whereas potato chips don’t really offer you any of that and are frequently high in calories and trans fat."
2. Air-Popped Popcorn
Although you may see popcorn as a buttery, indulgent treat that you munch on at the movie theater until your stomach hurts, we've got some good news: Popcorn can absolutely be a healthy snack, as long as it's prepared correctly. Air-popping some popcorn and going easy on the salt is a great way to satisfy your cravings without putting your health at risk.
"This is my go-to snack when I’m in the middle of the afternoon and truly hungry," Saari says. "It’s filled with whole grains aka healthy carbs, high in fiber, and will keep you feeling full." As an added bonus, she recommends adding in healthy nuts for some protein.
However, choosing the right variety is an important part of keeping this snack healthy. "Try making your own popcorn instead of bagged to leave out the high salt and fat ingredients," Saari reminds us. Noted!
3. Edamame Beans
If you haven't jumped on the edamame train yet, it's time to hop aboard. Health experts like Saari swear by this Japanese dish, which consists of soybeans that are still in their pod. Not only are they fun to pop out of the pods and eat, but they're also packed with nutritional benefits.
"These salty snacks are high in protein, fiber and antioxidants and are a great alternative to any salty processed snack you’ll find," Saari tells us. Sign us up!
The bottom line
So, there you have it: Snacking can certainly be healthy. When you swap fatty, processed snacks for nutritious options like these, you'll be one step closer to your fitness goals. Just remember that, like with any other food, moderation is crucial. When you stick to the recommended serving sizes and avoid overeating, your body will thank you for it.
READ MORE: The Best Dessert You Can Eat Every Day, According To A Registered Dietitian
