We all know that breakups are difficult, some more than others, but in the end, all breakups hurt a ton. In this heartbroken state, we look for any way to feel better, and for many people, that way is eating all the junk food with a pint of ice cream on the side. Besides making you gain a lot of weight, this unhealthy binge eating will make you feel even worse the day after.
Recently, I went through a very sad and unexpected breakup. After a 5 year relationship with my high school sweetheart, I was dumped out of nowhere, and later found out he was cheating on me the whole time. I was obviously devastated, and as many people do, I fell into the junk food sinkhole.
At first, I thought that eating these comfort foods made me less sad. But after a few days, I realized the junk food was making me feel gross and guilty about everything I had been eating. That’s when I decided to take the healthy path and start working on my body by having a balanced diet and being active. The greatest part about this experience is that I learned that the best way to move on is to stay healthy and love yourself more than ever.
The breakup recovery is a long journey. As tempting as that pizza and chocolate-chip ice cream might be, it’s way better to stay on the healthy side. Here’s a list of the 7 best healthy snacks that you should eat when you feel heartbroken.
1. Fresh Fruit
Depression, which often occurs with heartbreak, alters the normal functioning of the immune system, increasing the risk of disease. Fruit combats that by providing vitamins and minerals that are essential for the proper functions of our body like our immune system. Fruit also has fiber, which helps in the proper functioning of our digestive tract. Moreover, fruit provides a lot of energy and almost every nutrient the body needs.
If you are not a fruit-lover, there are many ways you can sneak fruit into your diet instead of just eating it plain.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn is the perfect alternative to satisfy that crunchy, sweet, or salty craving we have when we feel heartbroken. It’s the perfect treat since it’s low-calorie, high in protein, and will leave you satisfied. Popcorn is a healthy whole grain, which gives us dietary fiber that helps with the proper function of the GI tract. Plus, it is gluten free, making it a perfect snack for people with celiac disease.
Not only is popcorn ready to eat in just a few minutes, it’s also a very versatile snack. There are so many ways to prepare popcorn, and you can make your popcorn according to your cravings.
#SpoonTip: Go to Cravings Popcorn in Downtown Lansing to try their different varieties of gourmet popcorn.
3. Dark Chocolate
A quality chocolate with a high content of cocoa is quite nutritious and can have positive effects on our body. Dark chocolate is a source of many minerals that help our metabolism. Iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese are on top of the list. It is full of antioxidants too, which are beneficial for the proper functioning of the body.
Dark chocolate also helps improve blood flow and lower blood pressure; bioactive compounds in cocoa stimulate cells in the lining of the arteries to produce a gas that helps them relax. It may also improve the function of the brain by increasing blood flow to the brain. Awesome, right?
Bottom line is that dark chocolate has many health benefits and is the perfect option when you are feeling down. However, this doesn’t mean that you should consume lots of dark chocolate everyday. It’s still full of calories and is easy to overeat.
4. Avocado
This is yet another reason to increase your avo-obsession. Avocados are super nutritious and versatile fruits (yes, they are considered fruits). You can eat them in several ways and with anything you want. They are full of vitamins and minerals that are essential to our body, especially potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells.
Avocados help you burn calories because they’re filled with monounsaturated fats that work to speed up your metabolism. 77% of an avocado is fat, but it is considered to be a “healthy” fat called oleic acid that has beneficial effects on our body.
5. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are complex carbs loaded with nutrients that are essential to our body. They contain fiber and protein that keep you feeling full and fueled for your day. Sweet potatoes also contain a source of four important micronutrients: vitamin C, thiamin, potassium and manganese, all of which help with the proper functioning of the body.
Besides its nutritional value, sweet potatoes taste awesome with almost everything and it can be prepared in many different ways, as a main dish or as a snack. I mean, who doesn’t love sweet potato chips?
6. Nuts
Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts and more are waiting to be added to your diet. Nuts are the ultimate healthy snack, packed with fat, fiber, protein that will make you feel full and satisfied and give you energy.
Eating nuts regularly helps prevent a number of chronic diseases, as well as reducing risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Nuts may improve blood sugar levels and even reduce the risk of certain cancers, so they are quite a big deal.
7. Red Wine
Technically this is not a snack, but let’s face it; we need a little booze to move on, and wine is the best option. According to Dr. Axe, a recognized clinical nutritionist, red wine has many health benefits like increasing heart health, improving cholesterol levels, and helping manage diabetes, obesity and weight gain. So when consumed in moderation, red wine has positive effects. Go ahead and enjoy those glasses of wine with your best friend. No one will judge you.
I am not going to lie to you. Not everything I have eaten has been completely healthy. Ice cream from time to time does not do anyone harm. But I have started eating healthier and exercising more to positive outcomes. So when you’re feeling heartbroken, I encourage you to put down that pizza and try these healthy snacks you won’t regret the next day.