Looking for the perfect snacks to start your busy day with energy while sticking to your Mediterranean diet? Look no further! In this article, we’ll unveil a selection of the best Mediterranean diet snacks on the go. These snacks vary from savory to sweet, these options are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
The Mediterranean diet is a diet plan that focuses on the known traditional eating habits of Mediterranean countries. It encourages filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats (especially olive oil), and lean proteins like fish and legumes. With its focus on whole, minimally processed foods, the Mediterranean diet offers numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved overall health.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your snack game with these irresistible options.
Check out Mediterranean Diet 1 Week Meal Plan
The Importance of Healthy Snacking While On the Go
Compared to the previous 2011 version, the revised Mediterranean diet pyramid (MDP), emphasizes lower consumption of red meat and bovine dairy products. Instead, it recommends increasing the consumption of eco-friendly foods and legumes.
- Promote Mediterranean diet sustainability: Eating /healthy food consistently can guarantee you get all the nutrients your body needs.
- Boost your energy: Healthy snacking on foods allowed on the new Mediterranean diet pyramid like nuts and eco-friendly vegetables and fruits can provide you with the energy you need throughout the day.
- Snacking helps you control your appetite: If you aren’t preparing what you will eat exactly on your day, or don’t have any plans to manage hunger attacks, then, you might start eating foods you should avoid on the Mediterranean diet.
- Control your snack’s nutritional value: If you aren’t preparing your snacks at the beginning of your day, then, you might buy snacks that have higher energy content and poorer nutrient density.
- Convenient and Easy: Reaching your prepared snacks is super convenient, especially when you’re busy and don’t have time for a sit-down meal. Grab a snack, and you’re good to go!
So, next time you’re heading out the door, don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
Mediterranean diet snacks on the go ideas
Preparing your healthy Mediterranean diet snacks to start your day with isn’t that hard. However, it just needs a little time to plan and stay consistent to achieve your goals.
Also, you can enjoy it as a nutritious part of your Mediterranean breakfast, but be cautious not to cut calories aggressively to avoid compromising your energy levels and nutritional intake.
Check out Mediterranean diet snacks ideas:
Fruits
- Fresh fruit is a great snack option because it is healthy and satisfying.
- Apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes are all great options.
Vegetables
- Veggies are also a good choice for a healthy snack.
- Baby carrots slices, celery, and cherry tomatoes are all easy to take with you and are a great source of fiber.
Nuts
- Almonds and walnuts are both delicious and nutritious.
- The health benefits of these delicious fruits include packing them with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
- Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, and copper.
- Both almonds and walnuts are excellent choices for a healthy snack or addition to a healthy diet.
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries
Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for a delicious and protein-rich snack. Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, which support gut health, while berries provide antioxidants and fiber.
Opt for organic Greek yogurt and locally sourced berries when possible.
Toasted sesame
- The flavor of toasted sesame is unique and delicious, adding a depth of flavor to any dish. Toasted sesame oil is also a healthy cooking oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
- A toasted sesame seed is dark brown and has a mild flavor. Toasting the seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat releases the oils within, cooking and preserving them as flavorful spice.
Roasted chickpeas
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack, look no further than roasted chickpeas! This food is packed with protein and fiber, and they taste great roasted with a touch of salt and olive oil. Give them a try today!
Mediterranean granola bars
Looking for a healthy snack that will keep you going all day? Look no further than these delicious Mediterranean granola bars! They’re packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, almonds, and honey, and they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking. This recipe is simple and quick to make, and the final result is a delicious sweet-tart granola bar that’s perfect for a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed.
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
- 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder.
- 1/4 tsp of salt.
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon.
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Set your creative side free by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper!
- Combine the brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl.
- With a mixer on low speed, mix until well combined.
- Add the softened butter and combine until the dough is crumbly.
- Pour the granola into a large plastic bag and squeeze it all over the top.
- Seal the bag and store it at room temperature for about 2 hours.
- Place the granola on the baking sheet and spread it out.
- Mix a tiny bit of water into the sifted cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle the granola with a generous amount of cocoa powder and smooth it out with your fingers.
- Mix 1/2 tsp of the corn syrup with the sifted cocoa powder. Set aside.
Instructions
- Add the remaining dry ingredients to the dry mixture.
- Mix well to combine. Add melted butter and mix until all of the dry ingredients are moistened.
- Add the reserved coconut and chocolate chips.
- Mix well to combine.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Put in the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
- Shape into cookie shapes and place back in the freezer for about 20 minutes or until firm enough to hold their shape. Keep refrigerated.
- Remove from the freezer and allow to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Roll into balls and store in an airtight container.
Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight. It is based on the traditional eating habits of people living in Mediterranean countries, such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
The Mediterranean diet incorporates a lot of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, nuts, and olive oil.
The main reason this diet has become so popular is because of the many health benefits it provides. Here are just a few of the top benefits of a Mediterranean diet as per studies:
- Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked with improved health outcomes.
- Notable reductions were observed in overall mortality (9%) and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (9%).
- Incidence of or mortality from cancer shows a significant decrease (6%) with Mediterranean diet adherence.
- Lower incidences of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease (13%) are associated with adherence to this dietary pattern.
- Numerous studies have linked higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet with the prevention and management of age-associated non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, depression, respiratory diseases, and fragility fractures.
- Help you reach your weight loss goals. Mediterranean diet macros for weight loss
- As per studies, the Mediterranean diet has shown promise in promoting healthy aging, making it a valuable lifestyle model.
- Reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and cancer.