HEALTHY SNACKING IN NIGERIA
When about to snack, it is important to ask; am I snacking healthy?
A snack is a small portion of food that is eaten between meals. It is consuming foods or beverages in-between regular meals.
Healthy snacking involves choosing nutritious and adequate snacks. This leads to consuming more nutrient-dense foods that improve health. Hunger is the main cause of snacking and it is also influenced by other factors.
Tips for healthy snacking include:
Pre-pack your snacks
Stay hydrated
Load up proteins and fiber as they give a filling sensation.
Healthy fats
Importance of healthy snacking:
– it manages hunger
– improves blood glucose
– improves diet quality
– sustains energy levels
Below is the list of some healthy local snacks in Nigeria.
Wara is rich in protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and an amino acid called Methionine.
Dankuwa is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Kuli kuli is rich in fiber and highly proteinous.
Kokoro is a great source of fiber, folate, selenium, manganese, phosphorus, and thiamine.
Corn is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Boli provides adequate levels of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Okpa is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals
Nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Don’t underestimate the nutrient density of these local snacks. Make sure to try them out!
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