Road trips, gas stops, no time for lunch; we’ve all found
ourselves at the convenience store for a fast bite on the go.
While a bag of
chips or chocolate bar may be an option we later regret; there are fast bites
that can actually offer some health benefits.
Here are some junk food options to consider the next time
there’s no time for an actual meal.
1. Blue M&M’s and Blue Gatorade
Don’t get the blues about all food dyes.
From candy to
sports drinks, the unnatural colors of foods today can make you cringe at the
thought of what’s making them colored.
But, not all colored dyes are as bad as
you may think. Research done by scientists at the University of Rochester found
that Brilliant Blue G (BBG), found in blue M & M’s and blue Gatorade, could
help reduce damage from spine injuries. When BBG was injected into lab rats
with spinal cord injuries, it sped up their recovery time and ability to walk.
2. Cheese Whiz?? No way!!
Fat isn’t always a bad word.
The FDA has stated that not only are all trans fats not bad, some are
actually good for you.
Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs), although high in
calories, can help fight cancer, weight gain, diabetes and arthritis. It’s hard
to believe, but CLAs are found in Cheese Whiz.
3. Pork Rinds
Just the words pork rinds sound like instant heart attack.
However did you know they are a fantastic source of protein? A one-ounce
serving of this fried snack has seventeen grams of protein, seven times the
amount of found in a serving of potato chips.
Plus, 43% of the fat found in
pork rinds comes from oleic acid, the same healthy fat found in olive oil.
4. Beer
Some studies have found that beer can actually help increase
bone mineral density because it contains silicon, making bones stronger and
less likely to fracture.
A Harvard University study found that beer could
prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. Italian researchers found
that beer can raise HDL, the good cholesterol in your body.
Opt for a light
beer with fewer calories to avoid that full feeling.
5. Graham Crackers
They are the next best things to cookies if you’re trying to
keep your health in mind.
Graham crackers contain much less sugar than regular
cookies and are still sweet enough to satisfy a craving.
Plus, they are made
with flour that undergoes a special milling process, preserving more of the
whole wheat than in usual milling.
6. Popcorn
This is a snack that gets two thumbs up.
Popcorn is packed
with fiber and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help to protect us from
heart disease and certain cancers.
Surprisingly, popcorn has more iron than
eggs and spinach! It is also gluten-free, which makes it an option for those
with Celiac Disease and other gluten allergies.
Lastly, popcorn is mostly air.
This means it fills you up, helping to stave off hunger cravings.
7. Beef Jerky
Forget about the leather-tasting jerky of years past,
today’s gourmet jerky is delicious and can be healthy.
Beef Jerky, just like
its non-dried version of meat, is high in protein, iron and zinc. It, also,
contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Be sure to look for natural beef
jerky as the newer gourmet styles that are packed with flavor and free of
nitrates.
Hope you enjoy munching on your new healthy snack foods :)
~Jennifer
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