Snacks are an important part of healthy eating because going long periods of time between meals can really be detrimental to your metabolism. The key is to eat small snacks that are satisfying and healthy. I thought this would be a good post for a Friday because most of us grocery shop over the weekend. So if you want to plan for some great healthy snacks next week, here is a list of ideas:
*****Top Dietitian Approved Snacks*****
1. Greek yogurt mixed with fresh strawberry slices and low-fat granola. (This
is currently my favorite! The plain yogurt is lower in sugar and quite
tasty if you mix fruit with it. If you live near a Publix, be sure to try
some Greek yogurt for free by going to this website
If not you do not live near a Publix, here is a coupon. If your grocery
store doubles coupons, this will be worth 60 cents. (Thanks Jenny, from
Southern Savers!)
2. Peanut butter (1-2 T) spread on a toasted whole wheat English muffin or
bagel thin
3. A small handful of almonds and a piece of fruit. My favorite is Emerald’s
cocoa roasted almonds and they often go BOGO at the grocery store!
4. Peanut butter (1-2 T) of and apple or banana.
5. Hummus dip (2 T) with raw carrots, green beans, peppers, and/or whole
grain cracker such as wheat thins or triscuits.
6. Low fat popcorn. Conveniently enough, they make 100 calorie packs for this.
7. A ½ cup of whole grain cereal.
8. A whole grain granola bar.
9. Grapes (15) and one ounce of cheddar cheese made with 2% milk.
10. Low-fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup) and pineapple and/or strawberries.
**Slightly less healthy snacks that won't blow your calorie budget**
You may wonder why these items made it into this category. These foods fall into one of the following categories: made with enriched white flour, higher in sugar or saturated/trans fat than desirable. Remember to keep serving sizes
small!
11. Graham crackers and peanut butter.
12. A chocolate chunk or turtle chex bar. This snack may help to satisfy your
sweet tooth without going overboard.
13. One ounce of pretzels.
14. Trail mix made with peanuts, almonds, pretzels, raisins, and FEW M&Ms.
15. Dried fruit.
Feel free to share your favorite healthy snack! Have a wonderful week and see you all on Monday!
*****Top Dietitian Approved Snacks*****
1. Greek yogurt mixed with fresh strawberry slices and low-fat granola. (This
is currently my favorite! The plain yogurt is lower in sugar and quite
tasty if you mix fruit with it. If you live near a Publix, be sure to try
some Greek yogurt for free by going to this website
If not you do not live near a Publix, here is a coupon. If your grocery
store doubles coupons, this will be worth 60 cents. (Thanks Jenny, from
Southern Savers!)
2. Peanut butter (1-2 T) spread on a toasted whole wheat English muffin or
bagel thin
3. A small handful of almonds and a piece of fruit. My favorite is Emerald’s
cocoa roasted almonds and they often go BOGO at the grocery store!
4. Peanut butter (1-2 T) of and apple or banana.
5. Hummus dip (2 T) with raw carrots, green beans, peppers, and/or whole
grain cracker such as wheat thins or triscuits.
6. Low fat popcorn. Conveniently enough, they make 100 calorie packs for this.
7. A ½ cup of whole grain cereal.
8. A whole grain granola bar.
9. Grapes (15) and one ounce of cheddar cheese made with 2% milk.
10. Low-fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup) and pineapple and/or strawberries.
**Slightly less healthy snacks that won't blow your calorie budget**
You may wonder why these items made it into this category. These foods fall into one of the following categories: made with enriched white flour, higher in sugar or saturated/trans fat than desirable. Remember to keep serving sizes
small!
11. Graham crackers and peanut butter.
12. A chocolate chunk or turtle chex bar. This snack may help to satisfy your
sweet tooth without going overboard.
13. One ounce of pretzels.
14. Trail mix made with peanuts, almonds, pretzels, raisins, and FEW M&Ms.
15. Dried fruit.
Feel free to share your favorite healthy snack! Have a wonderful week and see you all on Monday!
Great tips, ideas, and links. I already shared these with someone this morning. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas! I love the weight watcher cheese sticks too!
ReplyDeleteMom-E
Erin'sMom: Thanks for sharing the post!!
ReplyDeleteMom-E: Those WW cheese sticks sound like a great snack! Are they made with 2% milk?
I am a big fan of the popcorn for an afternoon snack (with a diet coke usually), but if I need some chocolate fix, the chex bars work great. One thing that I did notice, when I tried to cut back on calories and go to the gym, my muscles would give out quickly. That said, having a light snack before a workout gives me a better workout a I get a net negative on the calories.
ReplyDeleteMatt: Excellent point about having a light snack before a workout. Most people will burn even more calories if they fuel up ahead of time. The key is a "light" snack. Happy snacking! :)
ReplyDelete