Eating well doesn’t have to be a bore. These four heart-healthy snacks are packed with fantastic flavor and nutrients!
1. Dark chocolate: Need to satisfy a sweet craving? Grab a small square of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate delivers an array of flavonoid polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) that help protect your cells from free radical damage and may support blood pressure and cholesterol levels already within normal range.
2. Fresh veggies and hummus: Instead of reaching for a bag of greasy potato chips, try dipping fresh carrots, celery sticks and cucumber slices into a small serving of hummus, a delicious low-fat dip made from chickpeas. Most veggies (especially carrots) are a great source of hunger-quenching and heart-healthy fiber.
3. Fat-free yogurt topped with walnuts: Spruce up your yogurt by sprinkling a small handful of walnuts on top. Walnuts add a satisfying, healthy crunch and are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids that may support normal cardio function.
4. Apple slices with almond butter: An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but it makes for a boring snack! Spread a little almond butter on your apple slices to get a heart-healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants.