Swap This For That! Healthy Alternatives To Your Favorite Snacks!
Snacking on food has developed a bad image today but healthy snacking can give you a boost in energy mid-day, help with muscle recovery post-workout, stabilize blood sugar, and keep you from overeating at mealtime. Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring! Below are 4 delicious and healthy food swaps that you will love.
1. Hooked on soda? The 20 oz bottle of Coca-Cola contains 240 calories and 65 grams of sugar. That is almost double the amount of sugar a person should consume in one day. Swap the bottle of soda for Zevia! This natural product is tasty, zero calories, and contains no sugar! You can find this product in the organic section at the local grocery store.
2. Love salty and crunchy snacks!? Did you know one small bag of lays original potato chips contains 150 calories, 9.5 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbs? My favorite healthy alternative that will satisfy the salty craving is Quest chips! These baked chips contain 140 calories 5 grams of fat, 5 carbohydrates, and 19 grams of protein! These chips can be found at your local vitamin store or on Amazon Prime!
3. Your favorite gummy candy may say fat-free on the bag, but did you know that one snack-size serving of Swedish fish contains 100 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 23 grams of sugar. Smart sweets developed a plant-based, healthy alternative to candy. These products are free from sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, and added sugars. One bag of Smart sweets contains 90 calories, 3 grams of sugar, and 22 grams of fiber! These sweet treats can be found at your local vitamin store, grocery store and Amazon prime!
4. Have you fallen for the marketing trap of consuming “Healthy drink alternatives”? Vitamin water and Gatorade are high in sugar, artificial flavors, and contains added cane sugar. One bottle of vitamin water contains 120 calories, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 32 grams of sugar. Next time you are craving flavored water try creating your own fruit infused water by adding fruit to a glass of water.
My goal is not for you to swap all your favorite snacks for healthy alternatives. Food is for both nourishment and pleasure! Enjoy your favorite snacks in moderation, but keep in mind healthy eating does not have to be boring!