When we're hungry, many of us reach for salty, crunchy chips, even though we know that we should have that apple instead.
But healthy snacks don't have to be boring. Following are 10 tasty snack ideas for about 150 calories or less that give you a nutrition boost while still filling you up and keeping you going.
- Nuts - High in protein, nuts -- especially almonds -- are also high in good-for-you fat, which makes them a good choice in small numbers. Experts recommend a handful a day, although go for either plain nuts or buy them raw and roast them at home in a 200 degree oven for several hours if still in the shell, or for about 30 minutes if unshelled.
- Fruit - If a juicy, crunchy apple doesn't grab your attention, try dusting the fruit with a little bit of salt. The seasoning brings out both the flavor and the juice. Also a great snack, try this flavorful fruit salad. Mix chunks of fresh or canned pineapple with melon balls including watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, then sprinkle with a little bit of shaved coconut.
- Cheese and Crackers - Top two woven whole wheat crackers with a 1/2 chunk of sharp cheddar cheese each. The serving of cheese provides a serving of calcium, and the whole grain crackers are filling options.
- Nut Butter - Dip apple slices or carrot or celery sticks or top a slice of whole grain toast with one or two tablespoons of nut butter. Almond butter is the best choice, but peanut or cashew butters also are packed with protein to provide enough energy to get you to your next meal.
- English Muffin - Toast an English muffin half and top with cream cheese, a soft-boiled egg or slices of ripe, red tomato for a tasty snack that comes in at less than 150 calories.
- Eggs - Scramble one egg yolk and two whites with onion, green pepper and onions sauteed in a little bit of olive oil. The protein from the eggs will keep you satisfied, while the veggies add one serving to your daily requirements.
- Veggies - Keep stalks of celery, carrot sticks, bell pepper slices and jicama in the fridge in a bowl of water. The veggies will stay fresh and will be available immediately to help you avoid temptations.
- Popcorn - Microwave popcorn comes in a variety of low-fat options, and 100-calorie packs pop up in less than a minute.
- Dried fruit - A few pieces of dried pineapple, banana chips, apple slices or papaya can satisfy a sweet tooth and prevent you from grabbing and afternoon candy bar. Keep small boxes of raisins in a desk drawer for emergencies.
- Cookies - Sometimes, you just have to have something sweet. But instead of chocolate chip or vanilla sandwich cookies, choose fig cookies instead. The filling provides both vitamins and protein, making it a nutritious choice.
The copyright of the article Better Snacking in Weight Loss is owned by Brenda Neugent. Permission to republish Better Snacking in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
