Healthy Snacks

[Lizbeth61]

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 😊

[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 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks Rosie!

[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 in reply to HenryTudor]

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

[devonian186 in reply to devonian186]

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 in reply to devonian186]

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 in reply to HenryTudor]

Thank you!

[Lizbeth61 in reply to HenryTudor]

Thanks will do!

[Traveldreams]

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

[Lizbeth61 in reply to Traveldreams]

Ooh sounds good! Thanks

[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]

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

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Pembrokeshirelass]

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

[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]

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

[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 in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Boredom I guess lol

[DWizza in reply to Lizbeth61]

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]

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 in reply to MattG1875]

Thank you

[Taviterry in reply to Lizbeth61]

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]

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 in reply to Shabana1974]

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

[vitaleenanomed]

Hey there! 😊 Totally understand your situation — finding healthy snacks that are tasty and low in saturated fat can be tricky. It’s great that you’re mindful of what you’re eating!

Here are a few ideas that might work for you:

Veggie sticks with hummus: Carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers with hummus are crunchy, satisfying, and loaded with nutrients.

Rice cakes with avocado: Light, crunchy, and you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes or some seeds for extra flavor.

Greek yogurt with honey and seeds: This is a creamy, filling option that’s packed with protein. Just watch out for flavored yogurts, which can have added sugars.

Roasted chickpeas: You can buy them or roast them yourself with your favorite spices — they're crunchy, filling, and a great alternative to nuts.

Air-popped popcorn: Super light and low in saturated fat. You can season it with herbs or a little bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

[Lizbeth61 in reply to vitaleenanomed]

Thank you!

[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 in reply to sidpr]

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

[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]

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 in reply to Anothernewbie]

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

[magnilink]

nuts are recommended by cardiologists mine says eat nuts

[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.