High calorie snacks can be very unhealthy for you. However, if you are trying to cut down on your calorie intake, there are plenty of delicious, healthy options to choose from. Some of the best options include: Nut butters, Greek yogurt, dried fruit, and bananas.
Bananas
Bananas are a tasty and healthy snack. They contain plenty of energy, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. A good source of protein and carbohydrates, bananas can be enjoyed on their own or mixed with other high-calorie foods.
Bananas are also a great way to add sweetness to your meals. For example, you can blend a ripe banana with a cup of frozen berries. It also makes a great dairy-free alternative to ice cream. Add cinnamon and nut/seed butter to your smoothie for an added boost of flavor.
Fiber has been linked to many health benefits, including weight management. It keeps you full longer, which helps you avoid overeating. In addition, fiber can help eliminate toxins from your digestive tract.
Potassium is important for a healthy heartbeat. In fact, research shows that individuals who consume more potassium have a lower risk of stroke. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll want to cut down on foods that raise your blood sugar. Foods that contain slowly absorbed carbs help keep blood sugar levels steady.
Some studies have found that people who consume a high-fiber diet have less belly fat and a reduced risk of heart disease. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for your diet.
Some dietitians advise against eating bananas because they have a high glycemic load. However, these bananas can be part of a balanced diet and may prevent you from gaining excess weight.
Nut butters
If you’re looking to reduce calories, you may think that nut butters are the answer. They’re packed with healthy fats, fiber and protein. But they can also be very high in calories.
While nut butters are a healthy addition to your diet, there are a few things to consider before you pick up a jar. You can use them to replace dairy in recipes, or to add texture to post-workout smoothies. However, if you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll need to adjust your calorie intake elsewhere in your diet.
When choosing a nut butter, make sure it contains no sugar or salt. Nut butters often contain oils to keep them creamy. Adding oil can increase the total calorie count. Also, look for brands that use only nuts.
Seed butters are an alternative to nut butters. The main difference is that seeds have very little naturally occurring sugar. Instead, they are a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Sunflower seed butter is a great source of Vitamin E and magnesium. It’s also a good choice if you’re allergic to tree nuts.
Peanut butter is one of the most popular types of nut butter. In fact, it’s the most recognizable type. Depending on the brand, it can contain up to 590 calories per serving.
Some nut butters are higher in protein than others. However, it’s not a given that the nut butter with the highest amount of protein is the most nutritious.
Dried fruit
Dry fruit is a great choice for a high calorie snack. It is an excellent source of health-promoting nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants. Dried fruit is less likely to spoil than fresh fruits.
Several studies have found that a diet rich in fruit and nuts reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The combination of nuts and dried fruit may also lower the risk of diabetes. This is because both types of snacks contain bioactive compounds and antioxidants.
Although the study was not randomized, it was a prospective, longitudinal study. It included more than 3 million person years.
Compared to the non-consumer, the dried fruit consumer had higher intakes of iron, folate, riboflavin, magnesium, and calcium. They had lower weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). Moreover, they had lower intakes of added sugars and solid fats.
There is a limited amount of evidence that suggests a relationship between dry fruit consumption and a reduction in overweight/obesity. However, more studies are needed to confirm the association.
Nuts and dried fruit are traditionally consumed together as a snack. They contain a rich spectrum of antioxidants and bioactives that promote many physiological pathways.
Dried fruits are very convenient. They are packed with nutrients and can be easily incorporated into recipes. Also, they are very low in sodium. You can add them to salads, cereals, bread, and other foods.
Dried fruit is a good source of dietary fibre and potassium. Diets high in potassium help to lower the risk of stroke and hypertension.
Greek yogurt
Besides its creamy and slightly tangy taste, Greek yogurt has some surprising health benefits. In fact, the probiotics it contains may boost your immune system, lower cholesterol, and ease digestion.
Having some dairy in your diet is a good idea, but Greek yogurt is especially helpful for people with gastrointestinal problems. It’s also an ideal post-workout snack.
There are many different types of yogurt, but the standard full-fat version contains a healthy dose of protein. Plus, the yogurt’s calcium content will keep your bones strong and dense. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, which is a major cause of bone fractures.
For a nutritious snack, try whole-milk Greek yogurt. This type has about half the calories of regular versions. And if you want to add something to it, you can mix it with nuts, fruits, and other toppings.
You can also try nonfat Greek yogurt. Nonfat versions tend to be less sweet than their full-fat cousins, which can make them a healthier option. However, you should still avoid adding sugar to your snack. Sugar is a known contributor to weight gain and can lead to digestive complications.
Greek yogurt is also a good source of iodine, a mineral that’s essential to thyroid function and brain development during pregnancy. Other minerals in yogurt include potassium, which aids in maintaining a steady heartbeat. Also, the high protein content can help muscles recover and grow.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a healthy food that can be included in a weight loss diet. They are a rich source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, they can help increase feelings of fullness, reduce hunger, and improve blood sugar control.
These tiny seeds are easy to digest and contain a mix of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. They can be easily added to meals and snacks.
Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. This fat also has a favorable effect on inflammation. Inflammation can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Another benefit of chia seeds is that they can improve bone health. They are a good source of calcium and manganese. Both are essential for bone formation. Calcium deficiency can cause bone breakdown, while manganese is important for bone metabolism.
Chia seeds are also packed with B-vitamins, which play key roles in metabolism. B-vitamins can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of protein. Protein can also increase feelings of fullness, helping to prevent overeating. Depending on your diet, you may be able to lose more weight when you include chia seeds in your meals. Regardless, it is advisable to consult a doctor before beginning a new diet plan.
Chia seeds also help maintain blood glucose levels. In one study, participants who were consuming chia seeds had reduced spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels. Likewise, chia seeds can help to keep cholesterol and lipid levels stable.
Prunes
Prunes are high calorie snacks, but they can also be healthy and beneficial. They are a great way to improve digestion, boost satiety and manage weight. It’s a tasty and satisfying snack that’s easy to prepare.
Prune juice is very rich in sorbitol, which helps increase bowel movements. In addition, the nutrient-dense fruit is a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of certain diseases.
Prunes are also a rich source of potassium, which may help with blood pressure. Moreover, they contain a number of B vitamins, such as B6, magnesium, and copper.
Research by the University of Liverpool has found that prunes are effective in controlling appetite. Studies show that eating a diet with prunes in it reduced hunger and led to weight loss. Researchers recruited healthy overweight men and women to participate in a 12-week study.
The soluble fiber in prunes helps slow down the absorption of glucose. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes. Additionally, prunes may reduce the risk of developing bone loss.
Prunes are a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin K supports the body’s ability to regulate bone formation and calcium. Soluble fiber may also have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
If you want to include prunes in your diet, start with a small amount. One cup of prune juice contains 182 calories and 111 grams of carbohydrates, including 3.6 grams of sugar.
