Did you know that snack foods are a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States? What that tells us is that most – if not all – of us buy and eat snacks on a regular basis. Our Bedford TX pain and wellness specialists (locations also in Flower Mound and Benbrook) want to do our part to make sure these dollars are being spent on healthy snack options. Therefore, in honor of March being National Nutrition Month, we’ve put together a list of healthy snacks the whole family will love. Read on to learn more!
Benefits of Snacking
A snack is any food that is consumed in between meals. Although snacks are often talked about as a bad habit, that’s not always the case. When used in moderation as part of a heart-healthy nutrition plan, snacks can offer several benefits to a person’s day.
Snacks help keep a person’s glucose levels steady. Consistent glucose levels can prevent dips in energy throughout the day without the use of caffeine. When carefully planned out, nutrient-dense snacks will also help ensure that a person’s daily calorie and vitamin needs are met. Finally, snacks high in fiber can also reduce hunger in between meals, which may help curb over-eating at meals.
Supporting Weight Loss
If you or your loved ones are looking for delicious snack ideas that help achieve or maintain a healthy weight, the good news is that there are many options available to you. One of the common complaints about foods associated with diets and weight loss is a feeling of boredom or restriction. Making the right choice in daily snacks can help add back in variety and flavor. The following are some of our top recommendations:
- Raw Veggies & Hummus
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Low-sodium rice cakes (with or without peanut/almond butter)
- Kale chips
- Bell peppers with guacamole
- Fresh fruit
Boosting Energy
As we mentioned earlier, snacks can provide a more balanced energy source to your day. If you are looking to cut back on caffeine or are just wanting more consistent energy in general, certain foods can be the perfect solution. Depending on your schedule and how much (or little) preparation you prefer to put into your food, consider trying out any of the following:
- No bake energy bites (Taste great frozen, too!)
- Fruit smoothies
- Dark chocolate
- Edamame
- Bananas
- Pistachios
- Berries
There can be several reasons why a person experiences a noticeable drop in energy. If you or a loved one is looking for a more comprehensive solution, we currently have Bedford doctors accepting new patients (as well as at our Flower Mound and Benbrook locations). Call today to make an appointment with one of our internal medicine specialists.
Sneaking in Additional Protein
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more healthy proteins being incorporated into people’s daily calorie intake. If this is a challenge for you or your family, snacks may be a great way to sneak in additional protein. Choose one of two of the following to try this week:
- Hardboiled Eggs
- Low sodium turkey jerky
- Trail mix
- Almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- String cheese
- Greek yogurt
Bedford TX Pain and Wellness
Nutrition counseling and support is just one way the specialists at Your Family Medical can help support you in your health and lifestyle goals. We also offer services in chronic care management, family medicine, geriatric medicine, pain management and more. With three convenient clinic locations in Flower Mound, Bedford and Benbrook Texas, we are here to serve you. Call today to learn more about how we can help!
