Most days, I enjoy a mid morning or an afternoon snack. In the past, this could have meant indulging in crisps or biscuits, but I try to avoid these unhealthy snacks. It's a slippery slope for me, leading to sugar and salt cravings and unnecessary binges!
When I was challenged to take part in the 21 day Snack Happy challenge with California Almonds, I was interested to see if whether switching to snacking on almonds would make a difference to my overall diet and wellbeing. I love nibbling on nuts, so the prospect of switching to snacking on almonds everyday was an appealing one. Not only are they tasty they are a good source of protein, high in fibre and contain calcium, vitamin E and other essential nutrients. A handful of 23 almonds has just 138 calories, and eating them actually helps reduce cravings for salty or fatty foods.
So for three weeks I have enjoyed eating a portion of almonds a day. They provide a sustained burst of energy and a host of nutritional benefits, and by eating them daily I have not been tempted to choose less healthy snack choices.
I really enjoyed having the little snack packs of almonds available when hunger struck. The crunchy almonds are very satisfying and a handful takes a while to eat maintaining the pleasure of munching. They really do fill you up until the next meal. It is nice knowing that they are delivering a boost of energy and nutrients to my body, rather than the empty calories supplied by sugary snacks. It is a guilt-free pleasure!
As a vegetarian, eating nuts is a great way of getting extra, essential nutrients into my diet. Snacking on almonds is definitely a habit that I will continue. Almonds can also be incorporated into meals adding crunch to breakfast cereal or making a nutty topping for salads or curries.
Disclaimer: California Almonds has asked me to take part in the Snack Happy Challenge. They have provided me with all I need to complete the challenge. For more information about healthy snacking please visit www.AlmondBoard.co.uk
