Fight the Munchies—10 Satisfying Foods to Keep You Full
February 16, 2023
6 min read
Whether it's a snack or your main course, with the right ingredients and flavors, healthy eating can fit into any lifestyle without going overboard on calories or junk food.
Top 10 Foods for Constant Hunger
Are you tired of the endless cycle of snacking and still feeling hungry? Break free from the hunger games with these must-try foods! We've handpicked 11 delicious options that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also keep you full and satisfied for longer.
1. Avocado
Avocado is a nutritional powerhouse, packing plenty of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats into one tasty package. It's also high in fiber, which helps promote regular digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. A single avocado can provide over 30% of your daily recommended value of vitamins K, C, B5, B6, and E!
Get creative in the kitchen and make some of your meals full of flavor with avocados! Whether it's on toast for breakfast, salads for lunch, or smoothies/burritos for dinner—this powerhouse fruit is an amazing way to get all those nutrients you need. Time to give these green (or black!) fruits a try!
2. Nuts
Nuts provide an abundance of protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals. They also have high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from disease. Walnuts, for example, contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to boost heart health and promote healthy blood pressure levels. Whether you're snacking on almonds alone or adding them to your favorite dishes—they make a perfect addition to any diet plan.
Maximize your nutritional intake by combining various nut varieties for a delicious and wholesome snack or garnish. You can also use nut butter like peanut or almond butter as a spread on toast, in smoothies and shakes, or even as the all-important ingredient in homemade treats!
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is an energy-boosting superfood that can make all the difference in your diet! This gluten-free grain alternative contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus to help keep you energized while keeping a healthy immune system. It's also high in fiber which will regulate digestion, leaving you feeling fuller for longer—so don't miss out on its amazing benefits!
Bring some variety and flair to your cooking with quinoa! This delicious ancient grain is incredibly versatile—from salads, soups, stews, casseroles, or even porridge. For a real treat, try adding it to homemade veggie burgers for an extra nutrient-packed crunch, or give any dish a tasty breading upgrade. Who knew one ingredient could be so fun?
4. Beans
Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition. They're an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals—while low in fat and calories. With so many different types of beans to choose from (ranging from black beans to pinto beans to soybeans), you're sure to find one that matches your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Whether you prefer them on their own or as a flavorful addition to salads and soups, beans offer a variety of options for meals. Transform your breakfast by using them as a topping for omelets or even as a sandwich spread. And let's remember the beloved dip, hummus, made from the versatile and delicious chickpea.
5. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a popular and delicious spread that can fit into almost any diet. It's full of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and proteins—making it a great snack for both kids and adults. Peanut butter also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol.
You can enjoy it on toast or crackers or spread it on some fruit slices for a nutritious and tasty snack. Peanut butter is also a great addition to smoothies and shakes as it packs in protein along with an extra nutty flavor. If you're looking for something sweet, try incorporating peanut butter into desserts such as cookies or brownies. And don't forget the classic PB&J sandwich!
6. Low-Fat Yogurt
Low-fat yogurt is a nutritious and delicious dairy product that is full of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It's an excellent source of calcium, which helps strengthen bones and teeth, and potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Low-fat yogurt also contains probiotics—natural bacteria known to aid digestion.
You can enjoy it on its own as a snack or use it in a variety of recipes, such as smoothies, parfaits, salads, and dips. You can even freeze it for a refreshing summer treat! Try adding some sliced fruit or nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Low-fat yogurt makes a great base for creamy soups or sauces too. And don't forget about its use in baking—try using it instead of oil or butter for a healthier alternative!
7. Apples and Bananas
Apples and bananas are two popular fruits with a range of nutritional benefits. Apples' high fiber content helps to lower cholesterol levels. They are full of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Bananas, on the other hand, contain more potassium than any other fruit as well as Vitamin B6, which can help regulate blood glucose levels.
Apples and bananas are also low in calories but high in energy-boosting natural sugars—making them an ideal snack for those who want to maintain or lose weight. You can enjoy these fruits in many different ways: sliced into salads or yogurt, on top of granola or oatmeal for breakfast, blended into smoothies, or pureed into sauce or soup. Or just eat them as is!
8. Oats
Jump-start your day with a delicious bowl of oats! They are full of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and plant-based protein. Enjoy one cup for a double dose of the recommended daily intake—that's ten grams in each tasty serving. And to top it off, oats contain B1, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium, which all help keep you happy & healthy!
They make a delicious and nourishing hot breakfast cereal cooked with milk or water and served with your favorite toppings such as nuts or fruit. You can also use them to make overnight oats for a quick meal on the go—just stir together some oats, milk, nuts, and honey or maple syrup, then leave it in the refrigerator overnight! Or try adding some rolled oats to your favorite smoothies for extra texture and nutrition.
9. Tofu
Tofu is a nutritious, plant-based food made from soybeans. It is high in protein, with 10 grams of protein per ¼ cup serving. Tofu also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
Curb your cravings with creative, delicious meals featuring tofu! Marinate and grill cubes as part of a veggie-packed dish to give traditional recipes an extra nutritional kick. Blend silken tofu into smoothies for texture, or get adventurous by baking vegan desserts like cheesecakes and ice cream! With its myriad uses, from savory to sweet, incorporating versatile, nutrient-rich tofu is a sure way to add flavor (and nutrition) throughout the day.
10. Dark Chocolate
Satisfy your sweet tooth and benefit from the power of dark chocolate! This delicious indulgence is packed with vital nutrients and has been linked to numerous health benefits - including decreased levels of inflammation and a decrease in risk for heart disease.
Not just for desserts anymore—add a few rich choc chips to yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet twist that is also packed with antioxidant power! With its many nutritional values and delicious taste, dark chocolate can be enjoyed regularly as part of any healthy diet.
Stay Full, Stay Fueled
Satisfying foods play a crucial role in keeping hunger at bay and fueling our bodies with the energy and nutrients we need to thrive. By incorporating these power-packed options into our diets, we can say goodbye to mid-day snack attacks and hello to all-day satisfaction. So make your next meal a satisfying one and keep hunger at bay!
