Are you looking for healthy snacks that are satisfying but won’t blow your diet too much? Then this is just what you need!
Pamela from www.halfmysize.com lists some excellent suggestions for healthy & energetic snack ideas.
Healthy Snack Ideas to Help Boost Your Energy
Fruit Smoothie – Blend 1 cup of fat free yogurt (plain or flavored), 1 cup of skim milk or orange juice, and a frozen banana or 1/2 cup frozen fruit.
Hard-boiled egg – Low calorie, high protein. Add a piece of fruit for fiber and vitamins.
Microwave popcorn – Great for a quick snack on the road. Pop a bag before you leave home. Check the label for brands that contain less than 5 grams of fat.
Almonds – When you are craving a snack with crunch, opt for something healthier than chips. Regular consumption can help lower bad, LDL cholesterol. However, since they are high in calories, limit servings to about one ounce (20 almonds).
Trail Mix – Gives you a sustaining energy boost with vitamin E, fiber, protein and magnesium. Pre-measure 1/4 cup portions into mini plastic bags.
Hummus – Spread about 1/4 cup on half of a whole grain pita or use it as a dip for baby carrots and celery. Look for brands with no more than 5 grams of fat per serving.
Pumpkin Seeds – Savory and satisfying as a handful of peanuts. 1/4 cup of these seeds is a good source of vitamin E, copper and magnesium.
Baked Apple – Wash and core an apple. Put it in a microwave-safe glass dish. Fill the apple with 2 Tbsp. of raisins, 2 Tbsp. of orange or apple juice and a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon. Cover and microwave for two to three minutes or until apple is tender.
Small Nonfat Latte – Order with no extra flavorings, whipped cream or sugar. You get a creamy treat and a serving of dairy.
Cheese and Crackers – Stick to a 1 ounce portion of cheese and whole grain crackers. Real cheese has more nutrients than processed. Check labels as some reduced fat cheeses have more calcium than higher fat versions.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – A great source for vitamin C and very portable. These taste even better at room temperature.
Precut Fruit and Vegetables – Grocery stores with a salad bar are a great option for finding ready-to-eat fruits and veggies.
Whole Grain Tortilla – Sprinkle with an ounce of low-fat or fat free shredded cheese, microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, roll up and you have a healthy one hand snack.
Yogurt – A great calcium source, as much protein as an ounce of meat and as much potassium as a banana. Look for low fat or fat free versions with “live active cultures” to aid in digestion.
String Cheese – A great source of calcium and protein. Look for a low fat brand and you have an easy, on-the-go snack.
Protein or Granola Bar – Look for brands with no more than 15 grams of sugar and at least 3 grams of fiber.
Tuna – Low in fat and calories, high in protein and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Single serving, zip-open pouches paired with a few whole grain crackers makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up.
Dried Plums – (aka Prunes) Super sweet, packed with antioxidants and fiber. Stick to 1/4 cup servings due to a higher calorie content than fresh fruit.
Edamame – Heart healthy and naturally low in fat. These soybean pods are a great alternative to chips when a salty craving strikes.
Soy Nuts – 25% fewer calories than nuts, one-third more protein and twice the fiber of peanuts. 1/2 cup has about 250 calories, but beware of highly flavored varieties as they may be higher in calories and loaded with sodium.
