Maintaining health in a world that is incredibly busy is a challenge for many.  Especially if your career keeps you on the go, or under a good deal of stress, the habits you create can either add to or detract from your optimal health.  Many people never realize that their first line of defense against fatigue, stress, irritability and even depression can be found outside of the doctor’s office.  Hit the grocery store instead of the drug store and you’re far closer to better health. In fact, research has proven that active compounds in vitamin and mineral supplements as well as in certain fruits, vegetables and even treats like red wine directly impact fitness, mood and overall health. Here, we’ll take a look at ways to snack for optimal health.

Several years ago, researchers in Slovakia tested a theory on stress.  Test subjects were given 3 grams each of lysine and arginine, amino acids — or a placebo.  They were then asked to give a speech.  Stress hormones for all test subjects were measured; resulting in findings that the test subjects who consumed these two amino acids experienced half of the anxiety as those who consumed the placebo. One of the best sources of arginine is nuts; of lysine, yogurt. Should you find yourself feeling stressed out about work, a speech or just in life, add yogurt and nuts to your handy snacks.

Popcorn is an age-old favorite snack during movies; but for healthy snacking, this is the not exact form of popcorn that should be consumed.  Popcorn is, in fact, a very healthy food to snack on.  First, it is a low calorie snack.  Three cups of this tasty treat will cost you only 105 calories, if you avoid loading your bowl with butter or other flavorings.   This is easy to do with a home popcorn machine; as air popped popcorn is quite flavorful on its own.  In addition to being a great low calorie snack, popcorn is also full of fiber, a daily need for every person.  The three cups of kernels popped in your home popcorn machine (not the microwavable kind) supplies you with three grams of fiber as well as a full serving of whole grains.  These are only a few of the benefits of popcorn.  Just remember that this healthy snack is only healthy when not coated with butter and salt.  Using a home popcorn machine to air pop kernels is fast, easy and healthy!

Sometimes what you want from you snack is a bit of energy.  A common misperception is to get energy from caffeine.  In reality, caffeine harbors more cons than pros; so energy should be obtained from healthier snack options for optimal health.  Snacks should be easy to keep with you when you’re on the go.  When you need a quick pick-me-up, you want it quickly!  Trail mix is a handy snack that can be conveniently kept in a desk drawer, briefcase or glove box.  The benefits from trail mix come from raisins, which provide potassium that helps your body convert sugar into energy.  Nuts also aid in energy boosting, by supplying magnesium to the body.  Magnesium improves nerve and muscle function and boosts metabolism.

Healthy snacks are so easy to come by!  These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg on the topic of snacks for optimal health; but provide you with a good starting point.

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