Healthy Snacks for Dieters

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So you started a diet and you constantly feel hungry. Think you shouldn't snack? Think again! If you are hungry, you should eat. But, you have to be mindful of what you eat and how much of it you eat. If you opt for the right kind of snacks, they can be your lifesaver to get you through the day without killing someone! LOL (I hope) When trying to decide what to stock up on for snacks, try items that are low in sugar, sodium, fat, or calories. Definitely grab ones that have added benefits like fiber, antioxidants, vitamin D, calcium, etc... 



Craving Salt?

• 23 almonds (162 calories)*

-This snack fiber, heart-healthy fats and vitamin E, which may help your body bounce back post-workout. The nuts also pack alpha-linolenic acid, which revs your body's fat-burning ability.

• 1/4 cup hummus, 3 carrot sticks (80 calories)*
• 1 cup unshelled edamame (120 calories)*
• 1 large hard-boiled egg, sliced and sprinkled with salt and cumin, celery seed, or nutmeg (80 calories)
• 1 bag Baked! Cheetos 100 Calorie Mini Bites (100 calories)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds in shell (143 calories)*
• 3 oz Deli Turkey spread with 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard and rolled in 2 romaine lettuce leaves (90 calories)
• 1/2 Medium Baked Potato (pierce and microwave for 4 minutes) topped with 1 tablespoon each fat-free sour cream and salsa (81 calories)

Sweet Tooth?

• 8 oz plain yogurt (110 calories, 0 g fat)*

-The mix of carbs and protein in low fat yogurt keep blood sugar level, stave off hunger and helps your body store less fat. Add fresh berries for flavor and a punch of antioxidants.

• 6 oz FAGE Total 0% Greek Yogurt sprinkled with Special K Granola cereal (150 calories)*
• 1 Kashi Cherry Dark Chocolate Chewy Granola Bar (120 calories)*
• 1/2 cup strawberries dipped in chocolate - microwave 1 tablespoon chocolate chips in 10-second increments until melted (93 calories)
• 1/2 large pink grapefruit sprinkled with 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar and broiled for about 5 minutes (69 calories)
• 10 frozen grapes (20 calories)*
• Smoothie - blend 3/4 cup nonfat milk, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 banana, and 3 ice cubes (72 calories)
• 1 JELL-O Mousse Temptations Cup Dark Chocolate Decadence (60 calories)

*Contain a protein, fiber, calcium or antioxidants.

No matter what you're craving, sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, etc. there are healthy options or alternatives that stave your hunger. And sometimes, you have to put a little effort into it. Just remember, laziness is a HUGE reason weight loss plans and diets fail. So be active, dedicated, and upbeat! If the options above don't float your boat, there are plenty more options. Just Google it!