Staying healthy and in good shape is of utmost importance to us. It’s not just about looking thin but also feeling fitter that one must aim for. But being fit is a culmination of two things-regular exercise and a healthy diet.
A good healthy snack not only fuels our body, boost energy levels but also provides nutrition in the form of other micronutrients to minimise muscle damage and amplify athletic performance.
Snacks are extremely essential for fitness enthusiasts and athletes, especially when they are training or playing.
Here are some healthy, quick, and yummy snacks which help curb hunger, ward off fatigue, and recover faster.
1.Boiled eggs
Primary healthy snack on the list is hard-boiled eggs. Eggs are incredibly nutritious and offer protein of high biological value. Similar to egg whites, egg yolks are also packed with nutrients like choline, vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12, and folate. In order to compensate for carb content, one can also opt for boiled egg tortilla wraps.
2.Banana
Bananas are the most popular and fondly consumed snack. Their high carbohydrate content provides energy and potassium which help prevent muscle cramps, and support muscle and nerve function. Bananas are best for when you want to grab something quick, say 30 minutes prior to exercising.
3.Oatmeal porridge
Oats are rich in soluble dietary fibre named beta-glucan, which helps maintain our energy levels as a result of the sustained release of carbs in our body. Oats can be consumed with water or milk. To enhance the nutritive value, fitness lovers also prefer adding a scoop of protein powder, nuts, and raisins to it.
4.Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbs which deliver sustained energy for a longer duration. This helps prevent our energy levels from dipping, making them the perfect snack to consume before an active workout session. The presence of vitamin A and C makes them a powerful antioxidant, helping in reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage.
5.Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice works as an excellent sports drink. It contains natural dietary nitrates which get converted to nitric oxide in our body. This causes vasodilation resulting in a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to our muscles. It helps increase endurance and provides stamina. So drink a glass of fresh beetroot juice 20-30 minutes before going for exercise.
6.Peanut butter
It comes with the benefit of proteins and good fats. Peanut butter can be consumed as it is, and even as a sandwich spread. If you are likely to consume peanut butter sandwich 30 minutes prior to your workout session or a game, then have it with white bread. For longer gaps, one can choose multigrain bread along with chia or flaxseeds for additional nutrition
7.Almonds
A snack that you can just take out of a container and start eating, almonds are super rich in protein, fibre, and fats. They come in handy as a quick snack that you can carry with you and consume at your convenience.