3 Healthy Snacks that Do Double Duty

Over the past few months, millions of people have been stuck at home and have been falling victim to the snack food in their pantries. Many people often turn to cheap, processed foods to satisfy their cravings. But with a little effort, you can find healthy snacks that are just as delicious to feast on!

Pumpkin Seeds

In addition to being a delicious low-fat, low-carb snack, pumpkin seeds come with numerous health benefits. Pumpkin seeds can help reduce acne and regulate blood sugar. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

These are a versatile snack that can be prepared in many different ways. You can roast them whole for 15-20 minutes in your oven at home, or you can buy them pre-roasted at the store. You can also add them to a side dish of sautéed vegetables, toss them in a salad, add them to your morning bowl of cereal, or grind them into your favorite dry rub seasoning. Try pumpkin seeds next time you’re looking for a yummy healthy snack.

Carrots

Next time you’re craving something crunchy, reach for carrots instead of that bag of potato chips. Their natural sweet flavour makes them easy to love, even for picky eaters. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which produces vitamin A in the body—an essential vitamin that boosts your body’s immune system. Carrots are also good for your heart; they protect against hypertension and can even help lower cholesterol. Chewing raw carrots can even help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, although they shouldn’t be a replacement for good oral hygiene.

Kale

Kale is becoming increasingly popular as an enjoyable healthy snack. Kale is full of fibre and antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. These two compounds work together to decrease blood pressure and can help reduce your risk for colon cancer.

There are many ways you can enjoy kale. Try tossing it in a green salad alongside spinach and romaine lettuce, or throwing it in your next green smoothie. If the bitter taste of kale is off-putting to you, you can try lightly cooking it in a vegetable stir-fry. This will help reduce the bitterness. Many people also enjoy making kale chips. Lightly coat a handful of kale leaves in a bit of olive oil and some salt, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10–15 minutes. Kale chips are a great way to satisfy your craving for salty, crunchy food.

Next time you’re looking for a snack, try pumpkin seeds, carrots, and kale. These three healthy snacks do double duty by providing you with multiple benefits besides the obvious ones.

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