What Are You Packing?

We're talking about snacks here. Eating three full meals a day is essential, but what a lot of people skip are the small snacks you should have in between! It's a misconception that snacking is bad for you. A small snack between meals is healthy if you are making the right food choices. Healthy snacks can provide carbohydrates to refuel your body, and healthy snack habits can increase your metabolism over time. Here are some snacks you should pack for your day and the health benefits they can provide you.

1. If you're feeling sleepy:
This first suggestion isn't a food, it's actually a beverage. Mint tea is a delicious pick-me-up during the day. Drink it cold or hot for a refreshing energy boost. Mint is a natural stimulant to the body and the smell alone can even make you feel more alert.

2. If you're having a bad hair day:
A healthy snack won't improve your hair right away, but this healthy habit could help your hair in the long run. One of my favorite health foods is an egg. You can hard boil them to take to work as a snack. Your hair is made of protein, and eggs are an excellent source of protein. They also contain iron, which is important for transporting oxygen through your body, including your scalp and hair follicles.

 3. If your skin is red and splotchy:
Nuts contain fatty acids and vitamins that can help improve your complexion and the texture of your skin.

4. If you need an energy boost:
 Have a banana! This fruit is packed with B-vitamins, and is also a good source of potassium.B vitamins provide energy and potassium keeps your heart beating!


5. If you're craving something sweet:
A small square or two of dark chocolate can provide a caffeine boost as well as beneficial antioxidants to your body. It goes without saying, but don't overindulge in this sugary snack. 

6. If you are feeling unfocused:
Drink some water! About  60% of your body is made up of water, so it makes sense that drinking water is essential for sustaining ourselves. We are constantly loosing fluids throughout the day, perspiring, going to the bathroom, or salivating. Those aren't exactly pleasant things to think about, but it just shows how important it is to replenish our bodies with water, especially if you're working hard. You'll feel more focused and able to go about your day if you stay hydrated.

7. If you are feeling under the weather:
Grab an orange or grapefruit. Citrus fruits are full of cold and flu fighting nutrients like vitamin C. Fruit juices can also provide these benefits, but it's better to go straight for the orange before the orange juice if you want to get the most out of those immune system boosters.
Here's to healthy eating and happy living!