We all want to eat healthily, but the products in our local stores and nearby supermarkets are often loaded with unhealthy additives, excessive sugars, and harmful fats.
Packaged junk food is convenient, but it comes with a host of disadvantages, including weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, poor digestion, and low energy levels.
However, with a little bit of research and mindful choices, you can make simple swaps that build healthy eating habits without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Here are five healthy snack alternatives to common junk foods that are easy to switch without sacrificing flavour or convenience.
Makhana
Fox nuts or Makhana, are a super snack popular for their nutritional benefits. You can substitute unhealthy snacks for these crunchy and satisfying snacks that are rich in fibre, calcium, antioxidants, and low in calories. Roasting Makhana in a little ghee or butter and seasoning with black salt and pepper creates a delicious and healthy treat.
You can also buy flavoured makhana snacks online or at nearby stores. They are available in multiple seasonings like masala, mint, cheese or regular salt.
Ragi Cookies
Finger millet, commonly known as Ragi, is a summer cereal crop high in protein and beneficial for hair and digestion. Ragi cookies are a healthy alternative to traditional biscuits, which often contain high fat and sugar content and are hard to digest.
Most ragi cookies in the market are mixed with other healthy ingredients like jowar, oats, almond, ghee and natural unrefined sugars. These offer a nutritious and delicious snack that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea and helps maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
Choose from packed and homemade cookies and enjoy a guilt-free snack and wholesome treat that supports your overall well-being.
Vegetable Chips
Another healthy snack alternative that helps to skip the guilt of trans-fat high potato chips are vegetable chips. They are usually made from various other vegetables like beetroot, carrots, bananas, jackfruit, and okra.
With natural ingredients, low natural sugars, and baked options, these chips are a replacement that is colourful, nutrient-rich, and satisfies your crunch cravings. Many also feature essential vitamins and minerals.
Popcorn
Popcorn is an excellent snack for satisfying afternoon hunger. High in fibre and low in calories, popcorn is another pocket-friendly and easy-to-make snack. Add a bit of flavour with salt and butter to homemade popcorn for extra taste.
Popcorn is easily adaptable to various cravings. You’ll find packed popcorn in all kinds of flavours — from savoury nutritious snack options like cheese or peri peri to sweet ones like caramel or chocolate.
Granola Bars
Granola bars can be a sweet and healthy snack alternative to candy, if you choose options with natural ingredients and low added sugars. They are convenient, pre-portioned, and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking.
Pick bars with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to benefit from fibre, protein, and essential nutrients while avoiding excessive sugars and artificial additives. Rye, oats, and toppings of dark chocolate and peanut butter make for nutritious and delicious granola bars.
So, there you have it, five healthier snacks that are tasty and good for you. These swaps help you munch guilt-free and keep your body happy with all the right nutrients.
You can find more natural and nutritious snacks here.