The best way to promote healthy nutrition is to consistently eat from a variety of food groups at meals and snacks. Each food group offers a unique combination of nutrients that are not found in that balance in foods from another group. For instance, dairy products have a unique combination of calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein that helps build and maintain strong bones. Fruits, on the other hand, are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients to promote health, prevent illness, and maintain a healthy gut. When choosing snacks for you or your loved ones always try to incorporate at least two food groups for a combo of nutrients that promote healthy growth, weight maintenance, and disease prevention in adults and children. Here are some ideas for simple nutrition when snacking:
Trail Mix
Whether you make your own or buy a favorite mixture from the store, a trail mix that contains a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit will give you carbohydrate to keep your energy and focus during the day, and protein to promote fullness and build healthy body tissues. This is a favorite snack bundle we enjoy at our house daily. It gives some pre-made trail-mixes, but also some packs of just nuts or seeds that we mix with our favorite dried fruits for a DIY mix.
Veggies and Dip
Whether you use carrots, celery, broccoli, snap peas, or other crunchy veggie, dipping these into a nutritious dip provides endless flavor possibilities and plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and even water. Try dipping your veggie choice in hummus for a protein boost or mashed avocado for some extra healthy fat. These individual cups store and travel well, making a packed snack for work or school much easier.
Crackers and Cheese
Take your pick of whole grain crackers and enjoy them with a low-fat cheese stick. This will give you quick energy and fiber from the crackers, and protein and calcium from the cheese that will build healthy bones and teeth.
Fruit and Nut Butter
Mix and match your choice of fruit with a serving of your favorite nut butter. Some of my favorite combos are a green apple with peanut butter or a spoonful of almond butter with some fresh blueberries on the side. Your body will get quick energy from the fruit along with healthy fiber, and the nut butter will give you lots of protein and healthy fats to keep you full for longer. {As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.}
If pairing food groups is new for you, or you need to talk more about healthy nutrition for you or your family, schedule a session with me today!