Snacking healthy
The contents of a bag of chips or the ingredients in a package of cookies nowadays can seem like a neat little heart attack tucked away for the next few years.
Some of the usual snacks that many Jamaicans consume daily include banana and potato chips, biscuits (cookies), cheese snacks, tarts and patties. However, not many people are aware of the negative implications that these snacks can carry.
Health Officer Dr Alva Redwood-Kiddoe pointed out a few disadvantages of bad snacks.
Things to know
"Salty foodstuff will bring up your blood pressure and food that is high in oil will basically make you fat. Constantly snacking on bad snacks, such as chips and chocolate, could be the result of one masking other health issues, such as anaemia," she said.
There are a few snack items which you can enjoy that are both healthy and tasty. Some snack substitutes don't require any work or preparation. Just look in your garden or the produce section of your nearest supermarket.
For one to get on the path to healthy living, there is no need to completely change your diet, just make a few adjustments. For example, before purchasing snack items, read the nutritional contents and stay away from foodstuff high in sugar, salt and fat.
Switch a patty with an apple, soda with coconut water or candy with nuts or raisins, depending on what flavour your taste buds are craving.
Eating fruits is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
- FILE
Good snacks
- Fresh fruit such as: coconuts, mangoes, apples, sugar cane, berries, guineps, tamarinds, papayas, oranges, and grapefruits. In addition, there are almonds, June plums, hog plums, soursops, sweetsops, pomegranates, and bird cherries.
- Snack substitutes may also be of the vegetable variety, such as carrot sticks, celery sticks and cucumber slices.
- Other healthy snack substitutes consist of whole grain and enriched breads, saltine crackers, nuts, sunflower seeds, raisins and even hard-boiled eggs.
