Simple And Healthy Snacks To Satisfy Your 3:00 PM Cravings

1. Dark chocolate

This is the best and healthy afternoon snack especially for individuals with a sweet tooth. According to a study published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, dark chocolate is more filling and satisfying than milk chocolate and keep hunger at bay for a long time.

Tip: The satiating way to have dark chocolate is by combining it with a few cashews.

2. Dried fruits

It makes for a perfect snacking option at any time of the day, especially during the afternoon. Dried fruits are packed with just the right nutrition and are the best alternatives to satisfy your hunger pangs at 3:00 pm.

Tip: Soaked dried fruits make us feel full sooner than the normal ones.

3. Carrots And Hummus

Raw carrots contain more fibre that takes longer to digest and thus, keeps our hunger away. Hummus, which is made up of chickpeas is also a great fibre source. Mixing both and eating is a great way to satisfy your afternoon pangs.

Tip: Prepare and store hummus beforehand in a refrigerator, if accessible. Slice fresh carrots and top it with hummus while eating.

4. Whole-grain crackers

These crackers are the super-easy way to get access to quick protein and fibre to satisfy your hunger. They come in great flavour, are highly nutritious and considered one of the superfoods.

Tip: Have it with kale hummus for a salty taste or grapes for a sweet crunch.

5. Peanut butter

This food paste is low in carbohydrates and contains a good amount of protein and dietary fibre. Peanut butter is also rich in a number of vitamin and minerals. Consuming peanut butter helps satisfy the hunger for a longer time, especially in the afternoon.

Tip: Coat peanut butter over apple or banana and satisfy your hunger in a go.

6. Greek Yoghurt

Yoghurt is best suggested for satisfying hunger and reducing appetite. The protein in yoghurt satisfy our hunger instantly and keep us full for a long time. Yoghurt is also low in calories and high in many nutrients.

Tip: Top it with some berries or dry fruits for a healthy snack in the afternoon.

7. Chickpeas

They make for a great snack to keep your appetite under control. Protein and fibre in chickpeas promote fullness when taken during the afternoon or any time of the day.

Tip: Pair them with quinoa and cucumber for a healthy salad. You can also roast chickpeas and store them in plastic jars for any time use.

8. Banana

This fruit comes with a healthy carb that fills our stomach and boosts metabolism - all needed to satisfy our hunger pangs in the afternoon. Banana is a superfood packed with magnesium and potassium and good for digestion.

Tip: Spread peanut butter and hemp seeds over banana for a delicious snack.

Foods To Avoid

Here is the list of foods to avoid when you feel hungry at 3:00 PM.

• Salty chips
• Orange juice
• Spicy foods
• Rice cakes
• Coffee
• Sushi
• Alcohol
• Cheese
• Cold drinks or artificial sweeteners
• Chewing gum

Common FAQs

1. What should I eat when I carve sugar at 3:00 PM?

The best way to satisfy your 3:00 PM cravings are fruits like berries, banana and apples. These exotic fruits are rich in fibre that helps to keep out hunger at bay without compromising on our taste. One can also go for yoghurt and whole-grains bars.

2. What should I eat if feel hungry at night?

Late-night snacks should be quick, tasty and packed with nutrition. It should be something which will satisfy our little hunger without adding much to the calories. Such foods include kiwis, pistachios, berries, crackers, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds and yoghurt.

3. What should I eat if I crave chocolate?

Dark chocolate is the best to satisfy your cravings for chocolate. However, it should be in a limited amount as it can spike your glucose level. Other alternatives of chocolates are low-fat yoghurt, fruit smoothies, sugar-free mints, dates, sweet potato and dried plums.