Freedom From Calories: 3 Healthy Snacks You Can Whip Up In 5 Minutes

Healthy snacks are an essential component of any weight-maintenance or lifestyle-reboot plan Maintaining energy and blood sugar levels is easier when you eat nutritious foods throughout the day. Snacking regularly also helps minimise excessive hunger, which can lead to overeating at mealtime. Thus, it also helps in reducing the number of calories you consume throughout the day.

The problem for many busy women is that we don't think about snacks until we get that familiar low growl, at which point we're forced to grab whatever is closest to us, regardless of how nutritious (or harmful) it is.

One approach to avoid the "I'm hungry and there's nothing healthy to eat" situation is to arrange your snacks at the same time as your meals. When hunger hits, you'll have everything you need to whip up a quick snack that'll fill you up with fibre, protein, and other nutrients. We’ve curated three easy healthy snacks recipes for you, which you can whip up in five minutes.

Almond Protein Smoothie

Total Time: 5 mins | Serves: 2

This almond protein smoothie, which contains both raw almonds and almond milk, will appeal to those who enjoy the distinct flavour of this dry fruit. This nut is good for your heart, and the milk it produces is high in protein and calcium. It also aids cholesterol management and is low in calories. Almonds, apples, and bananas are blended together to make a delicious and nutritious smoothie.

You Need:

• 14 raw almonds, with skin

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 cored apple, with peeling

• 1 cup almond milk

Method: In a blender, combine the above ingredients and pulse until smooth. Add a few ice wedges for a thicker consistency of the smoothie.

Chunky Peanut Butter And Banana Sandwich

Total Time: 5 mins | Serves: 2

When the most unexpected components are combined, they can create a delectable dish. The richness of a creamy banana paired with crunchy, nutty peanut butter will satisfy your sweet tooth without the unnecessary fat and calories of typical snacks and sweets. Peanut butter is a terrific method to receive a dosage of fibre as well as a great vegetarian source of protein, and bananas are strong in potassium and fibre. Combine these two components between two slices of whole grain bread, and you've got fruit, complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fat—everything you need for a healthy meal that will keep you going for hours.

You Need:

• 4 slices whole wheat or whole grain bread

• 3 tbsp chunky peanut butter

• ½ cup banana, sliced

• 1 tbsp honey, optional

Method: On the four slices of bread, spread two tbsp peanut butter each. Place a slice of banana on each piece. If desired, drizzle honey on each. Cover each with the remaining bread slices. Serve by slicing in half.

Seed Berry Parfait

Total Time: 5 mins | Serves: 6

This berry parfait is created with yoghurt, berries, and a high-fibre, high-protein seed mixture. It's a healthy snack, but you'll be surprised how tasty it is. This berry parfait dish is quick and easy to make as a dessert, but it's also light enough to have for breakfast or brunch, without worrying about calories!

You Need:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp honey, to taste

• 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 cup fresh raspberries

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

• 1 cup freshly sliced strawberries

• 1 tbsp ground flax seeds

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Method:

Step 1: In a small mixing dish or bowl, combine the yoghurt, honey, and lemon juice.

Step 2: In a parfait glass or dish, layer the yoghurt, berries, and seeds, finishing with a dusting of seeds on top. Serve the healthy snack right away.