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Some snacks are great energy boosters, while others just leave you more tired – and hungry. Think about that chocolate bar you nibble on to help with that mid-afternoon slump. It gives you a huge sugar boost which leaves you feeling great for about an hour, but after a while you start craving another chocolate bar. Food that your body burns slowly (low-GI food) keeps your energy levels going for longer, and can help stave off hunger pangs. Smart snacks pack double whammy: not only do they make you feel energised, but they also help you lose weight by keeping you satisfied for longer.

Go whole-grain

The more processed a food is, the quicker your body burns it. Just like that chocolate bar we mentioned above, white bread causes a short-lived spike in your blood sugar, making you feel better; but not for long.

So if you’re going to snack on a slice of bread, choose whole wheat or rye. Whole wheat bread is packed with manganese, magnesium, slow burning (low-GI) carbs and energising B vitamins. Rye bread contains the minerals phosphorous, magnesium, manganese and vitamin B1. Most commercial rye breads contain some wheat, giving you the best of both worlds.

If you really want to be sure you’re eating the healthiest bread possible, make your own. Bread makers take the hassle out of baking bread, and there’s nothing better than a fresh home made loaf.

Think pineapple

Pineapple is a popular summer fruit because it’s so delicious, but it’s also the perfect snack. Pineapple contains fructose (fruit sugar) that gives you an immediate boost, while all the fibre in pineapple slows down the digestion of the carbs in the fruit for sustained energy. Pineapple is also rich in vitamin C, vitamins B1 and B6, copper and manganese.

For an antioxidant boost, use your blender to make a delicious pineapple and strawberry smoothie. Good for you never tasted that good.

Go nutty

Almonds contain manganese, the antioxidant vitamin E, magnesium, mood boosting tryptophan, copper and vitamin B2. The protein and fibre in almonds stabilise blood sugar, and almonds have been found to curb appetite. Try almond spread on whole grain crackers or a handful of the nuts with some pineapple for a super snack.

Tip:

Carbohydrates (found in fruit, vegetables and grains) burn extra slowly when combined with protein. So add some yoghurt to a smoothie, eat some low-fat cheese or peanut butter on a slice of bread, or have a handful of almonds with some fruit.

Tags: antioxidant booster, bread, eating healthily, healthy snacks, lose weight