For a snack to be healthy it must have less than 220 calories per serving, less than 35% of calories from fat, excepting nuts, no trans fat, less than 1.5g of saturated fat, and less than 35% sugar by weight. Besides, it is important that it contains essential vitamins for the body, as well as fiber, iron, protein, and calcium. However, with the abundance of possibilities available – and we must admit that some of them are really irresistible and tempting – choosing healthy snacks might be a tricky business. Take a look at these next healthy vending machine snacks and next time try to make the right on-the-go choice.
Nuts
When it comes to nuts there are numerous health benefits that one could mention. Cashews, walnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios represent one of the healthiest snacking options. Nuts are rich in fiber, vitamins and healthy, monounsaturated fats, lowering blood cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Besides, nuts can also lower blood pressure due to arginine, a substance found in the type of protein in nuts. Choose the raw versions and make sure you don’t exaggerate!
Vegetables
Well, since it is kind of hard to avoid vending machines, at least we should try to opt for those snacks which are chock-full with all the necessary nutrients. And it seems that with the new vending machines emerging, organic juices, smoothies, fresh pineapples and bananas, and vegetable sticks can successfully replace sodas, chips, cookies and candies.
Seeds and dried fruits
Finding the best snack can indeed be a challenge. Seeds are a healthier snack option if you want to calm down your growling stomach. For example, sunflower seeds are packed-full with Vitamin E and Vitamin B1, while pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, tryptophan, copper, and Vitamin K. You can also go for dried fruits. Raisins provide 70% pure fructose and are fat and cholesterol free, low in sodium, and are a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, calcium, iron and potassium, while apricots are a tremendous source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene, but also vitamin A and C.
Tea and water
Specialists say that it is hard to distinguish between being thirsty and being hungry. Therefore, we should try drinking water and wait 20 to 30 minutes in order to see if we are still hungry. Water is a vital nutrient, irreplaceable when it comes to numerous bodily functions and processes. If you’re not so much into plain water, have a tea. Unsweetened, of course!
Whole grain baked chips and crackers
When you are looking for a healthy on-the-go snack, you might also consider some baked chips or crackers. Studies show that whole grains protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions. In addition, they are a source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other healthy nutrients. Pay attention to the food label or search for certain types of whole-grain flour as the main ingredient such as ‘whole wheat.’
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