Today marks Day 3 of the 5-Day Healthier Eating Challenge. To begin, click here. Americans are snacking more frequently than before. A recent survey indicated that 95 percent of people now consume at least one snack daily, with most opting for two or more. When cravings arise, many individuals grab ultraprocessed snacks such as candy or chips. This is partly due to the fact that, as I pointed out in yesterday’s challenge, these foods are designed to be irresistible. I really like chocolate bars that contain nuts and any cheese-flavored chips that leave your fingers orange. However, there’s another reason we might desire an ultraprocessed snack. At times, more nutritious whole foods such as walnuts, fruits, or carrot sticks may appear somewhat tasteless and unexciting. That’s unfortunate because minimally processed foods usually contain ingredients that keep you feeling full longer, such as fiber, water, and protein, according to Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. However, that small handful of almonds might be packed with flavor. Today, we’ll focus on preparing whole-food snacks that are just as tasty as ultraprocessed ones.
