While prioritizing nutritious choices for every meal throughout the day is important, one area it may be challenging to keep heart health in mind is snack time. When that craving hits, it’s quick and easy to just grab a prepackaged snack from your pantry. Many prepackaged snacks, however, contain too much sodium, sugar, or high saturated fat – all things to keep to a minimum. Here are some alternative and easy snack ideas for your next snack attack:
Yogurt and berry parfait: Scoop 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt into a bowl or cup and top with a mixture of your favorite berries or no-sugar-added dried fruit, such as blackberries, strawberries or blueberries. Turn it into a parfait by layering your fruit between yogurt.
Hummus and veggies: Pair your favorite sliced veggies, such as carrots, celery or cucumbers, with ¼ cup of hummus. For an additional flavor boost, sprinkle your favorite seasoning on the hummus-. I love to add za’atar or everything bagel seasoning.
Fruit and nut butter: Slice fruit, such as an apple or banana, and pair with a tablespoon of nut butter, such as almond butter, for dipping. Tip: almond butter contains less saturated fat than peanut butter, and you can make your own or find options without any added sugar.
Oatmeal energy bites: Whole-grain oats can be more than just a heart-healthy breakfast; when made into an energy bite and combined with nut butter, they can be a healthy and filling snack.
Tips for raising a heart-healthy family:
-Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables over processed foods. Canned vegetables and fruits can also be great ways to get vitamins in, but make sure to check the amount of added sugar or sodium.
-When possible, choose whole grains, including barley, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, and whole-wheat bread, crackers and pasta.
–Choose fresh and frozen lean meats and seafood, such as chicken breasts, lean ground turkey, salmon and white fish filets.
–Select plant-based protein options, such as canned and dry beans. Nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, and nut butters, also provide an additional source of protein and iron.
–Low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, and cheese are heart-healthy sources of calcium. Choose low saturated fat options.
-Eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol can help prevent high cholesterol. Limit foods high in saturated fat and trans fat, as they may contribute to heart disease.
-Limiting sodium in your diet can lower your blood pressure.
-Limiting sugar in your diet can lower your blood sugar level to prevent or help control diabetes.
