I love to snack. Cookies, chips, pretzels… I adore them all. As I get older and my metabolism slows down, I realize that I need to find healthier snack options that will satisfy my hunger without increasing my waistline. So what are my options-other than bland, boring rice cakes?
I discovered that snacking on seeds and nuts satisfies my appetite and has many nutritional benefits. Sunflower seeds taste delicious and are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that promotes a healthy circulatory system and guards against the effects of free radicals that may cause cellular damage. Sunflower seeds are also full of fiber, protein and carbohydrates, making them a great snack before exercising.
Another of my favorite snacks, full of protein and fiber, are raw almonds. They are rich in vitamin B2, vitamin E, copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Almonds contain naturally occurring monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, the “good fats” necessary to maintain overall health. The high amounts of magnesium and potassium naturally found in almonds help to support cardiovascular health and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Best of all, almonds leave you feeling full and satisfied. So throw away those salty snacks…go nutty!
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