Five Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Sweet Cravings

Pack these healthy snacks on your way to work for a simple way to ensure you feel full and satisfied
throughout the day. Dried fruit, nuts, rice cakes and more are sure to help that 3 pm pick me up.

1. Bananas

   Packed with fibre and vitamins, bananas keep me fuller for longer than many other water-based suits like melon. They're one of the easiest to carry too - complete with their own handy jacket.

   tip: when bananas age and begin to show brown spots, they are developing a sweeter taste. Thats because they become higher in sugar as the fruit ripens (and why un-ripe bananas are kinda gross). For a lower-sugar option, go for the just-ripe, yellow skinned ones.

2. Dark Chocolate

   You might be forgiven for thinking chocolate is off the menu when it comes to being healthy, but a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. The darker the chocolate, the better - it contains less sugar and other ingredients like milk powders, and more of the raw cacao bean that has all the great nutrients. Even better: make your own, and read all bout the benefits of raw, homemade chocolate (with a heap of inspiring chocolate recipes) right here.

3. Greek Yoghurt

   With plain Greek yogurt you get tons of protein (for a healthy metabolism) and very little sugar. It also means you can enjoy a bigger serve than the sugary yoghurts, if you're hungry for it. It also makes a great post-workout snack if you're not keen on protein shakes. Quick, simple, and super tasty. Add a few berries if you need it sweet.

4. Protein Balls

   When you need something more than satisfying that fruit, but you just don't want to run to the vending machine - protein balls are your snacking saviour. I have heaps of them when I was cutting out sugary treats, to make the transition a lot easier. Look for balls that are low in sugar though - of you kind of defeat the purpose.

5. Nuts

   My go-to snack when I'm craving a treat - the fats in nuts help to provide slow-releasing fuel so that your tummy stays crave-free for longer. They're don't cause those pesky blood sugar highs and lows either -  bringing a halt to your 3pm slumps and incessant cravings. Weigh out 30g of any kind (one serve) and take with you on the go - I love almonds and cashews, but remember to mix it up to get a variety of nutrients from all nuts. You can also throw seeds in there too!

 

Pic source: Elsas Wholesome Life