Snacks can bring so much comfort, especially during bad days. However, not all snacks are healthy, and even though some are super tasty, eating less of them is definitely a good step for one’s health.
If you’re someone who wishes to turn over a new leaf, then adding more healthy snacks such as seeds and nuts is a great step in the right direction. However, preparing nuts and snacks might be foreign to you, and if that’s the case, then here are some easy ways and tips that will help you add more of them to your diet.
Add them to smoothies
Smoothies are delicious and healthy, especially when taken early in the morning. Even though a traditional breakfast is never a bad idea, sometimes drinking smoothies is a better option. In case you have some leftover fruits or vegetables, that need to be used, then making smoothies is a perfect opportunity to make that happen. You can use the fruits that you have in the fridge, and then add nuts as a way to boost flavor and increase the number of good fats. Besides, most of the nuts are also rich in fibers, antioxidants, and minerals which will definitely boost the benefits of your morning smoothie.
Eat the on their own
Munching on nuts and seeds instead of opting for chocolate or cookies will benefit your health in the long run. However, since some seeds are quite high in certain fats and calories, it’s extremely important to follow the recommended daily dose, because indulging too much in some of them can lead to bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Eating a handful of various seeds such as sunflower seeds before bed will keep you full while also aiding your gut health.
Use them in salads
Seeds are super beneficial for your health since they’re all rich in proteins, iron, zinc, complex B vitamins, and other useful ingredients that can increase brainpower and boost gut health. If you love eating meal salads, then using the healthiest seeds as toppings is a much better option than using store-bought sauces full of added sugars and trans fats. Dry-roasted nuts will surely boost the flavor of your salad and make it more delicious. Usually, chicken breasts go great with a wide variety of nuts, however, there are even vegan salads that you might consider.
Mix them with other delicacies
Nuts and seeds are super tasty on their own, but adding something a little extra is a sure way to make them even more delicious and enjoyable. Things like apples, nectarines, and bananas are a great addition to any nuts/seeds mix, but if you want to sweeten the deal during the winter then you can add dried sliced fruits such as pineapples, cranberries and raisins. Feel free to combine various fruits with different nuts in order to create unique taste blends that will also be healthy.
Living a healthy lifestyle starts with your diet. Your gut health and mental health are highly connected, and nuts and seeds are a great way to boost the former while aiding the latter. Just make sure to consult your doctor in case you suffer from any allergies and other health issues, so you can be sure that your new diet changes are truly working in your favor.
