Everybody loves a good snack. And with the holiday season upon us, it seems that there’s a new excuse to snack around every corner, bend, nook and cranny. Unfortunately, for those who are watching their waistlines, this can be a dismaying time of year. With so many dips and spreads, chips, cookies and cake running rampant, it can be hard to keep the pounds down and the body feeling fueled and happy.
Luckily, snacking doesn’t have to do damage to your waistline if you’re smart about it. Check out these three snack food that are healthy, nutrient-packed, and will serve as both fuel and fun for this holiday season.
Vanilla Chia Pudding
Full of fiber and other filling nutrients, chia seeds are an amazing way to fill up and chow down in a healthy way. To make chia seed pudding, combine 2 tbs chia seeds with 3/4 cup of any milk of choice, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp honey, agave, or maple syrup. From there, you can add any fruit or topping of your choice. Cover and refrigerate for two hours. And Voila!
Hummus Dips
Hummus dips are a great way to get your savory fix while getting a sufficient amount of protein. Hummus is a gluten-free food that comes in an assortment of styles and flavors. There are many brands of hummus out there, and these brands of hummus boast an assortment of tastes, such as roasted red pepper hummus and sun dried tomato. And there are many uses for hummus spread and many recipes that can be made with hummus. For example, it works as a great filling in grilled zucchini, or as a spread on a hearty multigrain roll sandwich.
Guacamole
Packed with healthy fats and flavor, guacamole is another very versatile dip and spread that will leave you feeling fresh and full. To make guacamole, cube two avocados and mash with a fork, working until you reached a desired texture. Next, dice up 1/4 of a red onion, mince 2 gloves of garlic, chop 1 tbs cilantro, and 1 roma tomato into small cubes. Add to the avocado mixture, and finish with salt, pepper, lime juice, and of course, some chips for dipping!
What’s your favorite healthy snack? Let us know in the comments below!