10 Healthy Treats Parents Should Enjoy Happily

When you’re in the mood for a snack, you might experience a wave of guilt. Many people worry about eating bad foods that could harm their health, but some common foods are surprisingly good for you. These are a few healthy treats parents should enjoy happily whenever they need a mid-day or midnight snack.

1. Peanut Butter

Everyone has that one friend who is calorie-conscious. They’ve likely talked about how they stay away from peanut butter because it’s an unhealthy food. The reality is that while peanut butter is high in calories, they come from all-natural fats that nourish your body. Spread it on toast, crackers or apple slices to enjoy this treat without overindulging.

2. Charcuterie Cheese

Instagram and Pinterest are full of charcuterie board photos. Make a mini version of one for your next snack and add a few hefty slices of cheese. It’s another source of healthy fats that can rev your metabolism and protect organs by making your cells stronger. Have fun exploring the world of soft and hard cheeses to see which ones you like most.

3. Guacamole

Whether you make guacamole at home or buy it at the store, it’s a great treat in the recommended portion sizes. Avocados have organic fatty acids that make people healthier, so don’t shy away from them. It’s an excellent addition to sandwiches or a dip for chips, depending on what you want for your next snack.

4. A Glass of Red Wine

Wine can be a lovely treat at the end of a long day. It becomes a problematic part of your diet if you rely on numerous glasses every night of the week, but the occasional glass is actually one of the healthy treats parents should enjoy happily. Red wine combats oxidative stress that can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Enjoy it in moderation when it’s time to unwind in the evening.

5. Dark Chocolate

Inflammation is a common factor that influences various health conditions. Some treats make it worse, but dark chocolate doesn’t. Recent research shows that it reduces inflammatory markers in diabetes patients and may help others with conditions like arthritis. Crack open that dark chocolate bar for dessert or a snack. You’ll love the treat and the health benefits. 

6. Brown Rice Puffs

Rice puffs are the key ingredient in unhealthy snacks like Rice Crispy Treats. You can make them at home and enjoy them happily by substituting brown rice puffs. They contain health benefits like 13% of your daily phosphorus requirements, numerous vitamins and fiber. Finish the recipe with low or no-sugar marshmallows to remove most of the health concerns that you might have about breaking open your favorite treat.  

7. Honey

Honey is super sweet, so you might think it isn’t good for you. In reality, it’s an organic sweetener that is an excellent alternative to processed sugars. Stir it into your coffee and tea. Drizzle it over crackers, slices of bread and other snacks. Your body will thank you for avoiding artificial sweeteners that spike your blood sugar.

It also has surprising benefits for people with insulin sensitivities. One study found that honey improves fasting blood sugar results for people with Type 2 diabetes. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about how adding it to your daily diet could impact your health.

8. Cheerios

Many parents would make a panicked dash to the store if their kids ran out of Cheerios. They’re a staple food in so many households, so don’t worry about dipping into the box for yourself. They’re a cereal product, but they can also be a midnight snack or a handful of something crunchy when you have a craving. The whole grains and fiber will strengthen your health and keep your bodily functions on track.

9. Popcorn

A bag of popcorn drenched in flavored butter and cheeses won’t be the healthiest treat you can enjoy during a movie or TV show, but the popcorn by itself has numerous benefits. It shares the nutrient values of steamed corn kernels, so it’s also high in polyphenols. Those are the nutrients that help your blood circulate easily through valves and veins. Top it with salted butter and a sprinkle of seasonings or cheese to make it the ultimate treat.

10. Granola

Too much of anything is a bad idea, but a healthy serving of granola can be an excellent snack. It has the fiber and nutrients your body needs to maintain your digestive process. It may also reduce your cholesterol levels with its soluble fiber. Eat it as cereal, make it into bars or pour it into a plastic bag to enjoy it whenever you want something crunchy.

Enjoy Your Healthy Treats

When you’re ready to eat something tasty, these are the healthy treats parents should enjoy happily. Snack on your favorite popcorn brand or pour a glass of wine with dinner. Your body will receive all of their various health benefits with a bit of moderation.