No matter what activity you have planned for the day. No matter what sport you play. No matter what you eat…wait! This one DOES matter! For all those men veering toward packets of chips, bottles of aerated drinks, sugary donuts and pastries, or large cups of coffee when hunger strikes, here is a list of handy snacks that you might rather dig into rather than indulging in unhealthy food again.
These snacks mentioned below are healthy, provide the essential nutrients needed for the body, and, best of all, satiate your hunger cravings adequately and energize you without loading on unnecessary extra calories. These wholesome eats support your activities, protect you from cramps as well as breakdowns, and are refreshing for in-between meal times. They help you recuperate from fatigue, boost your energy levels, and fuel your body quickly.
- Fruits
Banana, strawberry, orange, apricot, papaya, cherry, grape, kiwi, black currant, blueberry, cantaloupe, melon, grapefruit, guava, gooseberry, prune, lemon, mango, pomegranate, watermelon, pineapple, tomatoes, and avocados are rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, K, folate, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, beta carotene, manganese, zinc, niacin, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Take them as whole fruits, as a fruit salad with natural honey, or as a fresh cold pressed juice.
- Vegetables
Spinach, carrots, peas, peppers, mustard greens, zucchini, corn, potatoes, mushrooms, squash, and sweet potato are good sources of beta-carotene, vitamins A, B, C, and K, iron, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, protein, manganese, lutein, and fiber. Steam them and have them with a sprinkling of salt and herbs or saute them in olive oil and make them sandwich fillings.
- Milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese
Add the fruits of your choice to milk or yogurt and make creamy smoothies out of them. Combining fruits with yogurt, regular milk, or soy or almond milk provides added calcium. Add the cottage cheese to your bowl of vegetables for a protein rich salad.
- Whole grains, nuts, and seeds
Include a handful of oats, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, raisins, peanuts, dates, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, or pistachios to gain healthy calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Make whole grain bread sandwiches with peanut butter and vegetables in it.
- Hydrate
Drink plenty of water and/or coconut water. They keep your energy levels up, and the potassium in coconut water utilizes carbohydrates and helps synthesize protein in the body.
Lay your hands on these delicious, energizing snacks when your body craves for food. You will be thankful for the healthy stuff while stuffing your stomach when you need energy to run or swim, dodge a ball or strike a goal, or just want to feel fit and healthy overall. Energized men perform better at any activity of their choice, of course we all know that!
