Do you know which are the best vegan snacks to improve your health and achieve your fitness goals? Did you know vegan snacks can even fuel your training and help in recovery? If your answer is NO, this is the right content for you. Here you will find information on some of the best healthy vegetarian snacks for all age groups, and the nutritional benefits they provide. We will also help you to avoid the snacks that can even hamper your goals. Keep reading to gain insight on the best vegan healthy snacks that you can prepare or get in a jiffy.
Vegan Snacks - Choosing the Right Snacks Based on Timing
The type of healthy snacks you choose as a vegan should be based on your training demands and the timing. For instance, if you are planning for a high intensity workout, make sure you have a mid afternoon snack packed with a good amount of carbohydrates. Whereas, if you are looking for a mid morning snack for your recovery after workouts, you should focus more on quality protein and healthy fats. The nutrient density always plays a major role.
Let's First Discuss about the Types of Snacks to Avoid
Although you will come across many options when you are looking for vegan snacks, not everything is healthy or suitable for your fitness and health goals. So before you pick what to snack on, below mentioned are the list of snacks that you should avoid:
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High Sugar Snacks and Foods: High sugar snacks are not just unhealthy, but also energy crashers. Although they will give you a short-lived energy spike, you will immediately experience a crash. Moreover, this burnt sugar will turn to fat.
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Processed Foods: Processed foods can also be very bad when you are on a fitness journey. They increase inflammation in the body, which is also the main cause of many chronic diseases. On the other hand, they are also a dead-cert that hinder endurance.
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Baked Goods: Some baked goods like donuts and pastries should be avoided from the list as they contain high amounts of trans fat. They can wreak havoc on your main health markers and do not contain any nutritional value.
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Soft Drinks: Simply say “NO” to soft drinks, no matter what your fitness goals are. They are loaded with sugar, sweeteners and chemicals and cannot be even recognized as real food. You should try avoiding even the ones that mention “diet” or “low calorie”.
Now let's get into some vegan snacks that can be actually beneficial for your health while helping you to satisfy your snack cravings.
1. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are some of the quick and handy snacks that have been consumed for centuries. People used to carry them while travelling and for medicinal purposes as they can provide instant energy without too many calories or any unhealthy fats. When it comes to the health benefits, they are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that promote heart health and immune functions. They can be highly beneficial in recovery after a strenuous workout. Nuts and seeds are also the best vegan snacks for kids.
All you have to do is avoid salted or sweetened varieties to enjoy complete nutrients. Some of the best nuts and seeds are:
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Almonds: Best for pre and post workout snacking
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Flaxseeds: Great for heart, high in Omega 3s
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Walnuts: Protection against the damages caused by free radicals
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Pumpkin seeds: A clean and premium protein source
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Chia Seed: Quick energy and smooth digestion
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Other Nuts: Macadamia, cashews, and pistachios
2. Roasted Chickpeas
This snack is easy to prepare and enjoy. Chickpeas or commonly known as chana in India is a favourite snack for many. In fact, people have been snacking on it for centuries. This is mainly due to the crunchy texture, nutty taste and the amazing nutritional benefits it offers. In fact, it is one of the best protein sources when you are a vegan. Chickpea is high in protein, fiber and antioxidants that can be highly beneficial for your body and overall health.
If you do not have the time or resources to prepare roasted chana at home, you can easily buy it from Healthy Master. We are specialized in offering nutritious and health-focused snacks. You will also find different flavors like magic roasted, spicy masala, moderately salted, cheese and other flavors to choose from.
3. Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Another favourite snack for many, hummus with veggie sticks could be a great vegan protein source. You can easily prepare hummus at home and enjoy it with different veggies like carrots, peppers, celery and other options. Hummus is a low calorie, nutrient dense snack that you can enjoy anytime of the day. You can also boost up your carb intake by spreading and having hummus with pita bread and whole grain crackers.
4. Vegan Protein Bars
Vegan protein bars are also quick energy boosters for an active lifestyle. They provide you maximum protein with very minimal calories. These bars are not just perfect for your performance, but also a tasty snack when you need a quick fix. When you are looking for protein bars, you will find many flavors and ingredients to choose from. They are a convenient snack that you can carry anywhere.
5. Oats
A well known snack of many, oats is a low calorie high fiber vegan snack that you can get easily. This nutrient rich powerhouse takes time to digest and release the carbs very slowly without causing any blood sugar fluctuations. On the other hand, they are also rich in fiber, and a good source of protein. You can enjoy this versatile snack in many ways. For instance, the baked oats chips provided by Healthy Master is one such creative snack to enjoy the goodness of oats in a fun way.
Additionally, you can also include berries in your vegan diet routine. Another delicious and nutritious category of vegan foods you can enjoy are the berries. All fruits are good, but berries will help you to regulate blood sugar levels along with providing nutrition. Some of the top berries you can include in your diet or snack routine are strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and fruits like apples, bananas, and kiwi.
However, being in India, getting your hands on berries all year around can be a daunting task. In such cases, you can choose dried berries, which will provide you the same nutritional benefits with a better shelf life. Another amazing thing is that you can have it as a standalone snack, added to salads, smoothies or even with other baked goods.
Apart from the above-mentioned options, other healthy and tasty vegan snacks you can enjoy are roasted soya nuts, makhana, masala peanuts, baked ragi chips, etc.
Conclusion
If you are a little mindful when selecting vegan snacks, you can get your hands on some of the best superfoods. Some important factors you should consider when choosing vegan snacks are to make sure that they are nutrient dense, good for your overall health, supports your training demands, and keeps you filled and satisfied.
FAQs
1. What are the best high-protein snacks for vegans?
If you are a fitness lover, you can benefit from different types of vegan snacks like nuts and seeds, roasted chickpeas, peanut butter, protein bar etc.
2. Are vegan snacks suitable for kids?
Yes! Vegan snacks can be perfect for kids. In fact, it is a fun, nutritious and appealing way for kids to enjoy vegan snacks.
3. Can vegan snacks help with weight loss?
Yes, the right type of vegan snacks can help you lose weight, as they are low in fats and unhealthy cholesterol.
4. What should I avoid when choosing vegan snacks?
When looking for vegan snacks, you should avoid processed foods, baked goods, soft drinks, and deep-fried foods.
5. Where can I easily order vegan snacks?
You can easily order vegan snacks from the official website of Healthy Master. We have a complete dedicated section for vegans.
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