For some people, snacking might conjure up images of unhealthy weight gain. However, many nutrition experts believe that enjoying five or six small meals is more beneficial in obtaining sustained energy throughout the day. Intersperse your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with healthy snack options. These can be fatty foods that provide nutrition but do not contribute to obesity. Here are five simple snacks that are satisfying with all the right kinds of fats:
Avocados
Avocados are super healthy fruits that contain potassium, fiber, vitamins B, C, and E, and oleic acids, a type of monounsaturated fats. The healthy fats in avocado are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, protect the optic cells, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. You can replace butter, margarine, or mayonnaise with avocado paste on healthy toasts, and avocados can also be used to replace meat in sandwiches.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They also contain vitamins A, B, D, and E, iron, folate, and phytonutrients like lutein. Enjoy a healthy recipe of avocado deviled eggs as a snack. This calorie-rich egg recipe makes you feel full but does not cause unnecessary weight gain.
Cheese
All types of cheese are satisfying snacks, and cheese is an excellent source of fat, protein, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, K, zinc, and calcium. The cheese made from grass-fed cows or goats is the most nutritious. Some types of cheese like Brie, Swiss, and Edam contain conjugated linoleic acid that helps reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease, regulates blood sugar levels, and prevents obesity. A serving of goat cheese with a handful of olives and a sprinkling of fresh thyme makes for a satiating healthy snack.
Flax seeds
Rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, flax seeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids and unique plant compounds like lignans. They reduce cholesterol and the risk of fatal illnesses like cancer and heart disease, and they also regulate blood sugar and promote digestive health. Enjoy a bowl of fresh, unsweetened yogurt with a spoon each of roasted flax seeds and roasted pumpkin seeds.
Coconut
All coconut-based snacks are healthy options that are satisfying with all the right fats. Coconut water, oil, meat, and milk are all extremely healthy and add flavor to all dishes they are used in. Coconut contains protein, vitamin B, and manganese, which help metabolize cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates and strengthen your bones. The medium-chain triglycerides fat in coconut provides quick energy and fights obesity by promoting the loss of body fat. Iron and copper helps in the production of healthy red blood cells, and the antioxidant selenium, gallic acid, and caffeic acid protect your cells from damage. Drink natural coconut water in the morning on a hot day, add the milk extracted from its flesh in stews and curries or chew the coconut meat raw as a snack. You can also use coconut flour for baking and coconut oil for sauteing vegetables. It tastes good in all forms!
