Healthy Snacks: Hello. Can I have some... - British Heart Fou...

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Healthy Snacks

Lizbeth61 profile image
31 Replies

Hello. Can I have some recommendations for healthy snacks which dont contain high levels of saturated fat? I eat healthy breakfast lunches and dinners but struggle to find snacks to have in between and whilst working at my desk. I was having mixed nuts as I know they are good for you but just saw that they are high in saturated fat. I have fruit too but looking for something different thats tastes good 😊

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Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61
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31 Replies
Happyrosie profile image
Happyrosie

there are some Facebook groups that you might find helpful. They have titles such as “UPF-free recipes “ , “quitting Ultra - Processed food” and so on. The majority of postings there are thoughtful and well-moderated.

And of course there’s always fresh veg - carrot sticks, celery sticks and , best of all, homemade soup!

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toHappyrosie

Thanks Rosie!

HenryTudor profile image
HenryTudor

Look at the selection of Graze snacks in your supermarket. Get the Yuka app for your phone and scan in the bar code. It’s been a revelation for me.

devonian186 profile image
devonian186 in reply toHenryTudor

Presumably you are not recommending graze snacks as they are very high in sugar and calories unless there are some "good" varieties".

devonian186 profile image
devonian186 in reply todevonian186

I meant to say Graze snack bars. They have a variety of other snacks which are portion controlled so you can't eat too many.

HenryTudor profile image
HenryTudor in reply todevonian186

Yes, there is a wide range, some of which are rated “good” by the Yuka app. Even some crisps are rated “good”. However, the app gives a general view not one specific to medical conditions which is why some interpretation is also required. Give it a go and see if it helps. There’s a free version but I quickly went over to paid version at ±£13 a year.

There are lots of products that tell you they are “natural” and have suitably attractive packaging, but in fact contain stuff that isn’t “good”. I’ve changed, for eg, my shower gel, deodorant and lip balm.

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toHenryTudor

Thank you!

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toHenryTudor

Thanks will do!

Traveldreams profile image
Traveldreams

Joe and sephs popcorn. Low fat, low calorie and flavours of all the naughty things I no longer eat!

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toTraveldreams

Ooh sounds good! Thanks

Coopergirl52 profile image
Coopergirl52

You could try dried fruit and unsalted nuts if you need a quick pick me up between meals if your peckish dont go for the nuts if you have an allergy to them though.

DWizza profile image
DWizza

Try the BHF website , stacked with relevant info about snacks👍🏻

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Pembrokeshirelass profile image
Pembrokeshirelass

Home made hummus with cucumber sticks (or those packs of mini cucumbers that are advertised for children's lunch boxes)

Smits1980 profile image
Smits1980

Nuts are high in good days so you should keep eating them daily, but just a small amount. Popcorn made at home is a great snack. Fruit, and veg with hummus. Use the ‘foodscanner’ free app to help. It shows that pretty much everything sold as a snack is bad for you!

CyclingTime profile image
CyclingTime

Some nuts are good for you, in particular Almonds and Walnuts

Lowerfield_no_more profile image
Lowerfield_no_more

Why do you feel the need to eat 'snacks' throughout the day at your workdesk? If you are looking for a top up in the middle of the day make up your own small lunch of foods that you know are nutritious and 'healthy' and filling perhaps including a banana and/or an apple, and eat that to see you through.

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toLowerfield_no_more

Boredom I guess lol

DWizza profile image
DWizza in reply toLizbeth61

Eating enough protein has been proven to aid satiety , feeling fuller and less hungry . Try increasing the protein in your breakfasts and lunches . Do you make your own lunches ?

MattG1875 profile image
MattG1875

Hazelnuts and almonds are not to bad. I had a CABG last year even though I am sporty and eat healthy, anyway post op I was driven to avoid saturated fat, checking the packets, goggling. After time I came to realise that once your on statins, you can be a bit more relaxed as your body and statins are the real influence, your diet has a small affect.Personally I eat carrots, celery and pepper sticks

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toMattG1875

Thank you

Taviterry profile image
Taviterry in reply toLizbeth61

I've been a fan of dried apricots and walnuts since I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic 20 months ago. Other "sensible" foods helped get me below the threshold after a year or so. Only now I have a dry mouth and have "gone off" hazelnuts. With my mid-morning and mid-afternoon drink (usually decaffeinated coffee) I have half a Grenade "high protein (20g+) low sugar (less than 2g)" bar.

Shabana1974 profile image
Shabana1974

100g grams sunflower seeds, 40g pumpkin seeds, 50g Sesame seeds, 30g Flax seeds 25g chia seeds. I also add salt, paprika and oregano to taste Soak in 170ml water for 20 minutes then spread on a baking sheet and put in the oven 180 for 30 minutes

You can play around with the salt, Paprika and oregano. Maybe chilli, or others other spices you like these home made Crackers last a couple of months in a airtight container. And a great source of fibre

JoTsu profile image
JoTsu in reply toShabana1974

Wow. Sounds delicious. Definitely going to try. Thank you.

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61

Thank you!

sidpr profile image
sidpr

Hi Lizbeth

Try these. I made some and they tasted nice (and healthy). I recommend freezing them to keep for longer. Like anything fresh that doesn't have preservatives, they will only last 3 or 4 days in the cupboard.

heartresearch.org.uk/banana...

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply tosidpr

Oh these look delicious! Definitely going to try. Thank you!

Alicant profile image
Alicant

tell you something …you won’t get it right! I’ve been trying to have a tasty healthy diet …very difficult..don’t jump on me folks! Manage most of the time!But occasionally 😉😉

Anothernewbie profile image
Anothernewbie

Have you tried making your own sweet potato crisps - in the air fryer if you have one? You can vary the taste by carefully, and sparingly, sprinkling herbs or spices on them. Spray oil is easy to use on them.

Lizbeth61 profile image
Lizbeth61 in reply toAnothernewbie

I dont have an airfryer but perhaps I should get one!

magnilink profile image
magnilink

nuts are recommended by cardiologists mine says eat nuts

TasteLessFood4Life profile image
TasteLessFood4Life

I have a bit of sweet tooth, but after my healthy lifestyle switch my preferred snacks have been unsalted nuts and home made cakes from rolled oats. I also have oatcakes with min cheese from time to time or crumpet with peanut butter (no suggar). I also have my 5 a day . After 2 bloodtests, my LDL is still below 1.5 ( I am on statins) - so I dont think in the big scheme of things it is having a big impact. If you eat healthy 90% of time, I am sure you will be fine with the odd exception here or there. Remember, you need to stick it long term and have a life thats hopefully not all vegetables and salads.

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