The choices in snacking aren't always easy, though. Even many snacks labeled 'healthy' can be laden with preservatives, and high in sodium, sugars, and carbs. Keeping an arsenal of healthy, easy snacks on hand is a great way to avoid the lure of vending machines, fast food drive-throughs, and the kids' cookie jar. Try these ideas to keep energy levels going and feeling satisfied.
- Greek yogurt and fresh fruit: High in protein, greek yogurt is creamy and filling. Choose high fiber fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for an added dose of fiber.
- Celery sticks and natural or sugarless nut butter: An oldie but a goodie, the combination of celery and peanut or other nut butter is filling with its protein and fiber. The prolem is traditional peanut butters are full of sugar, so opt for a natural variety or one without any added sugar.
- Veggies with hummus: Another great simple low-carb choice is fresh veggies and hummus. Making your own hummus is easy, too. A great (and easy) hummus recipe is Real Simple's 5 Minute Hummus.
- Baked tortilla chips and low fat cheese: microwave or put them under the broiler for a sort time for a crunchy, cheesy treat,
- Low carb ice cream (or frozen yogurt): When craving something sweet, low-carb ice cream is a good choice. My nutritionist actually recommended this for sweets cravings because it is a treat that is still providing clacium (unlike candy or cookies).
- Popcorn: As long as it's not the movie-theater butter variety, popcorn can be a great snack. Spice of the flavor by sprinkling on some parmesan cheese, a tiny bit of dry ranch seasoning, or cayanne pepper and kosher salt.
- Diced grilled chicken and fruit.
- Hard boiled eggs.
- A small ahndful of dried almonds or other nuts.
- Small omelate with dice tomatoes and spinach.
- Rice cakes or whole grain crackers with natural nut better.
- Low carb english muffin or tast.
- Mixed greens topped with crumbled up veggie burger (Gardenburger makes an excellent variety of flavors, like black bean and tomato and basil) drizzled with salad dressing.
- Cottage cheese topped with salsa or fresh tomatoes
- Mozzarella, cheddar, colby-jack, or other cheese sticks: So easy to throw in your bag!
- Pumpkin or sunflower seends with a few dark-chocolate chips.
- Edamame: Frozen bags of shelled edamame make a quck, easy, and high-protein snack to toss in the microwave.
- Pole or troll-caught tuna and crackers: Although concerns about tuna are very calid due to mercury, the pole or troll caught varieties are athough to contain less mercury and be much safer to consume.
- Shrimp and cocktail sauce: The American Pregnancy Association says that eating shrimp is safe for pregnant, so feel free to indulge in this 0 carb snack. You could also make your own cocktail sauce to reduce sugar intake.
