8 Best Plant-Based Snacks
You might be having three meals a day and munching on snacks in-between, but what about “keeping it simple and healthy?” Well, you should know that there are healthy alternatives to snacks and junk food that you find hard to resist.
We are always on the run to do more and perform better. While trying to fulfill our responsibilities, we barely give any time to our diet and health. Thus, we find ourselves stalking the various processed and unhealthy food items to help us get on with our days without wasting any time or energy. However, eating healthy should be your first priority when it comes to preserving your health and energy.
If you can’t handle the burst of hunger and the cravings for food, plant-based snacks are one of the healthiest options that you can choose. Without any excessive fatty acids, processed nutrients, and unhealthy calories, you can supplement your diet with the options below.
The Best Plant-Based Snacks
Don’t worry, as these plant-based snack options are not full-vegan, and you can keep the rules of your diet flexible. That said, you can still consume dairy, chocolate, and other delicious food items without compromising your health.
1. Fresh Mixed Smoothies
Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of various nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. How about you mix some of your favorite fruits and veggies into a blend of delicious smoothies?
Smoothies are the best way of increasing your nutrient intake without wasting any time on heavy preparations. Unlike other drinks such as sodas and colas, smoothies contain milk, yogurt, nuts, and your favorite fruits and vegetables.
It’s a quick and convenient form of meeting your body’s nutrients requirements, and you can always have a glass of smoothie in breakfast on your way to work or somewhere else. Despite the concern, it doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare smoothies. The combinations of fruits and vegetables that can go into smoothies are endless. From blueberries to spinach to strawberries and mango, you can try almost anything you like.
2. Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are seeds of the Salvia Hispanic flowering plant. If you haven’t already tried them yet, you are in for a treat with the popular chia pudding. To make the pudding, you can let the chia seeds steep inside plant-based or almond milk. Leave them overnight before you add the fruits and sweeteners of your choice to make them the perfect sweet snack of the day.
It is worth mentioning that they are a source of protein. In addition, if you want to make them smoother, try blending the pudding in a blender. Amazingly, adding cocoa powder makes it no less than a chocolate pudding.
3. Plant-Based Yogurts
Plant-based yogurts are all you need when you are looking for a healthy daytime or night-time snack. From pea milk to cashews and almonds, you can add many legumes and nuts to plant-based yogurts. Soy-based yogurts, oats, and coconut are also a few other options if you want to change the taste.
Keeping a check on the amount of sugar in the flavored varieties might help. However, due to so many combinations and blends, the protein servings can vary.
4. Roasted/Baked Nuts
Do you like roasted peanuts and other nuts such as cashews and almonds? Well, mixing them in your favorite desserts makes the most mouth-watering treats of all time. They pack a whole lot of proteins, which makes them suitable for daytime munching when you are at work, picnics, or any trips.
Baking and roasting nuts with healthy flavors are the best ways to increase your protein intake and improve your diet combinations.
5. Bean Dips and Hummus
You will find several different types of bean dip combinations and blends. As people are starting to realize the health benefits and amazing tastes of white, black, and many other types of beans, bean dips and hummus are becoming common household snacks.
Chickpeas and white beans dip can make the perfect combo with the right size and type of tortillas, chips, and pitas. In fact, they are also a good source of protein and make you feel fuller after eating a small amount.
6. Chilled Tofu
Don’t consider tofu as only a family meal addition. In fact, modify your diet and make them a healthy snack for you and your family. You can serve roasted, cubed, and marinated tofu at parties, home gatherings, or just for you when you are bored at home. Chilled or warm, tofu is amazing to get a healthy food loaded with protein.
7. Roasted Chickpeas
Not only roasted nuts but roasted chickpeas also give you the same flavor and satisfy your cravings. They might take 40-45 minutes to roast inside an oven. You can enhance the flavor by sprinkling some spices. Make sure not to make it too spicy as it’s not good for your health.
8. Crackers (Seeded)
Who doesn’t love crackers? But instead of going to a departmental or grocery store, you can have seeded crackers in your home. They are satisfying, crunchy, and nutritious, which is all you need to suffice your cravings in between meals. Mix them with dips, nut butter, or something creamy to enjoy the crunch with deliciousness.
Wrapping Up
So, now that you know some healthy alternatives to add to your diet, don’t wait to try the tastiest and nutritious snacks. They can help you gain the energy you require along with satisfying your cravings.
Lastly, always look for the healthiest alternatives. Initially, it will be difficult to switch to plant-based snacks as you may not like the taste or find it hard to resist processed food. However, you will develop the taste with time, and you can always experiment with different options. Consequently, you will develop the habit of always choosing healthy alternatives over unhealthy ones.
About the Author
Lori Bogedin is a health and wellness writer and editor of TwigsCafe.com. She is in the restaurant business since 1999. In 2016 she was named one of the "Top Women in Business" by Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal.
