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Here Are 6 Healthy Snacks You Can Buy from the Convenience Store
Make your sudden trips to the convenience store a healthy and fruitful one!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | March 19, 2020
Editor’s Note: This article was last updated on March 19, 2020.
Getting fit is both an exciting and challenging task. The feeling of wearing clothes a size smaller, seeing muscles form in your body, and just the overall satisfaction about one’s self are some of the perks of getting into a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, for some of us, the temptation to just go to a convenience store and grab some tasty snacks may be too strong.
But your trip to the nearest convenience store shouldn’t be a pain when trying to get fit. There are plenty of healthy snacks in these stores that will still keep you full minus the calories. Read on and make healthier choices this year.
1. Fruits
Banana = 94 calories; Apple = 52 calories
Skip your favorite junk foods and munch on apples instead.
There’s something about sweets that jolts our spirit when we’re feeling a bit sleepy. But instead of munching on candy bars, why not grab a fruit instead? Convenience stores may not have a wide variety of fruits on their shelves, but you’ll definitely see a banana or an apple on their counters perfect for munching.
Bananas, for one, are known as a great source of potassium that helps boost metabolism and muscle strength. Apples, on the other hand, are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion. Aside from being sweet treats, fruits also carry small amounts of calories so your diet is still safe.
Where to get them: 7-Eleven and Family Mart
2. Yogurt
Regular yogurt = 149 calories per cup. Calorie count may vary according to size, brand, and type.
A classic yogurt is still your best bet for a yummy snack.
Another treat that can be a good replacement for your usual junk food is yogurt. Yogurt is a type of dairy product made from bacterial fermentation of milk. Don’t worry about the word “bacteria” as the ones you can find in yogurts are good bacteria known as probiotics, which boost the immune system and help in digestion.
There are plenty of yogurts in your next-door convenience store, but make sure that you pick the right one. Avoid the ones with added sugar or with a lot of sugar content per serving. Be mindful of “low fat” yogurts as well. Some may contain lower fat but use too much sugar to compensate for the taste.
3. Canned Tuna
1 can = 194 calories
Canned tuna will make a tasty and healthy pairing with your rice.
Before reaching for another fried chicken from your favorite convenience store, stop yourself and make a healthier choice if you want a decent viand to pair with your rice. One better option is canned tuna. Tuna is a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Just make sure to choose tuna packed in water instead of the ones packed in oil as the latter contains more Omega-3 fatty acids and less salt. Be careful on consuming it on a daily basis as well because tuna contains mercury, which can cause damage to the nervous and immune system.
4. Dark Chocolate
1 ounce = 170 calories
Can’t let go of chocolates? Try the dark ones for a healthier option.
If chocolate is really your Achilles’ heel and you won’t survive a day without munching on one, you can at least go for the healthier alternative: dark chocolate. Compared to regular ones, dark chocolates have a higher cacao percentage and are filled with antioxidants. It also contains less sugar (and we all know that too much sugar is not really good for anyone’s health).
Make sure to pick dark chocolates that have 70% cacao content or higher to get its maximum benefits. Don’t overindulge as well as dark chocolate still contains calories. A square or two a day should be enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
5. Coffee
Black brewed coffee; 1 cup = 2 calories
Learn to drink your coffee black and enjoy its health benefits.
For most of us, we need the magical powers of caffeine to help us survive another day. But before you grab another can of your favorite energy drink, why not get a cup of coffee instead? Aside from its caffeine content that’ll help keep you awake, it also has a lot less sugar than your favorite energy drink.
Studies also show that coffee also helps reduce one’s risk of liver cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. But to make the most out of your coffee, make sure to drink it black and avoid sugar and cream as they lessen the health benefits of the drink.
6. Hard-Boiled Eggs
1 egg = 80 calories
Hard-boiled eggs are the healthy morning snack you can count on.
Another great snack that you can grab from your favorite convenience store is hard-boiled eggs. It’s not fried, doesn’t have salt or sugar, and is packed with great nutrients, not to mention very cheap. Eggs are naturally high in protein and have Vitamin A, which helps with our eyesight, and Vitamin D, which strengthens our muscles and teeth.
Hard-boiled eggs are also low in calories. But if you’re keen on watching your caloric intake, you can also skip eating the egg yolk and cut the egg’s calorie count in half.
Where to get them: 7-Eleven
No need to sacrifice your health plans as your nearby convenience store still has some treats that are good for your body. But always remember that moderation is key. Let us know in the comments section which of these treats will be your newest favorite snack.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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