Roasted peanuts are packed with Vitamin E, antioxidants and flavonoids.
According to a market research study conducted by Marigny Research Group and published on ReportLinker, the snack food industry, $68 billion in 2008, is expected to grow to $82 billion by 2013 as more people choose to eat snacks in lieu of full meals. These new savory snack food options now have to provide a range of options that meet changing economic and cultural climates, as well as serve as possible meal replacement options. Since 42 percent of the snack food market actually comes from your supermarket and others, you might as well cut out the middleman and make your own savory snack foods.
Quesadilla
Your desire to reduce cost of living expenses by forgoing eating out can work to your health's advantage. Choosing snack foods that provide the same amount of protein you would get in a meal, minus the fat, can trim your wallet and your waist at the same time. These savory snack foods can include a number of do-it-yourself options, too, according to MayoClinic.com. For example, using one flour or corn tortilla, add 2 tbsp. of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the 6-inch surface and then microwave long enough to melt the cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cut it into four portions for homemade quesadillas. You can use some salsa as a dipping sauce as well for this snack.
Savory Baked Potato
Add 2 tbsp. of fat-free and plain natural yogurt and a sprinkle of cajun seasoning to a small baked potato, and you have another healthy and savory snack food that can cut your dining budget, waist size and meal time. It gives you needed carbohydrates and calcium for you diet as well, although it will require more than opening a bag--but not much more.
Peanuts
Your desire to rid your life of bad cholesterol and colon cancer and even prevent gallstones can start with choosing an inexpensive but healthy savory snack like a handful of peanuts. Roasted peanuts contain Niacin (B3), which is recognized for its ability to raise your good HDL cholesterol level, which helps fight heart disease. This simple but savory nutty snack also contains a bioflavonoid resveratrol, which ShapeFit says can help prevent arterial plaques from developing, therefore reducing bad cholesterol. According to the World's Healthiest Foods, eating just 1 oz. of peanuts a week can reduce your risk of developing gallstones by 25 percent.
You can easily transport and store peanuts as a snack on your person or in your desk without fear of spoilage. So throw a bag of peanuts in your handbag when you are on the run or keep some in your desk for those last minute hunger pangs or snack times. If you prefer peanut butter, you can smear some on a whole wheat bagel as a morning snack, since peanut butter provides energy too.
Tags: snack food, savory snack, snack foods, healthy savory, healthy savory snack, peanut butter, Roasted peanuts
