Research suggests that eating snacks at regular intervals is better for your body than having three large meals. But this doesn’t mean you reach out for a bag of chips or a bottle of soda. Eating healthy snacks is important, especially if you have high cholesterol. Here are five great snacks that will not only satiate your hunger but also keep your cholesterol under control.
Whole grain avocado toast
One of the great snacks that won’t feed your cholesterol is a yummy avocado toast. Whole grain bread is packed with fiber that helps control cholesterol levels. You can even use seeded or rye bread instead of the whole grain variety, as they have the same effect. Avocados are also essential in lowering the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and increasing the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol. You can place the sliced avocados on toasted whole-grain bread slices and top them with seasonings or hummus for a snack.
Apples with nut butter
Apples are bundled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also make a good substitute for sugary foods. Along with peanut or almond butter, apple slices are one of the great snacks that won’t feed your cholesterol. Make sure you buy nut butter that is natural and free of vegetable oil and artificial sweeteners. You can just cut the apples into slices and spread the butter on them. Sprinkle some raisins and oats to give it a yummy twist.
Almonds or walnuts
Snacks don’t have to be fancy. A cup of almonds and walnuts are great snacks that won’t feed your cholesterol. The best part about them is that you can munch on these snacks on the go. Just pack them in a container and keep them in your bag or the car. Almonds and walnuts are packed with vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that help lower cholesterol. However, you need to take care of the portion size to prevent overindulging.
Fruit salad
Certain fruits are rich in a compound called pectin. This compound is a type of fiber that helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. Fruits like strawberries, grapes, apples, and oranges are rich in pectin. You can add potassium-rich fruits like bananas to this fruit salad as they help maintain blood pressure levels. Snacking on a bowl of this fruit salad is also a fantastic way to indulge your sweet tooth without consuming unhealthy foods. If desired, you can add low-fat yogurt or low-fat Greek yogurt to the mix. The high fiber content of yogurt is also excellent for managing cholesterol levels.
Soups
If you are feeling hungry in between meals, having something filling like a soup as a snack is a good idea. Make sure the soups are low in saturated fats and trans fats and contain less sodium as well. Ideally, the soups should be made of foods that help lower cholesterol levels, such as beans or barley.