Eating low-calorie snacks full of nutrients can stabilize your energy and achieve improved weight management. Additionally, they can help you avoid cravings for unhealthy foods.
You see, snacking, by itself, isn’t essentially a problem. The problem is snacking unhealthy foods in large quantities — instead of well-prepared, low-calorie, highly nutritious, healthy snacks.
Low-Calorie Snacks In a Balanced Diet
Yes…snacking isn’t necessarily a problem. The problem takes place when your snacks are too large. Snacking unhealthy foods that offer little nutritional value too often becomes a problem, as well.
If the snacks you choose are processed foods that are high in refined grains, unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar…like cookies and chips; it’s especially detrimental to your good health.
In fact, choosing the unhealthy foods hampers our bodies from getting the necessary whole, nutrient-rich foods we need.
On a daily basis, most people snack – it’s a part of their daily life. In fact, Harvard Medical School notes that one survey found that 75 percent of Americans snack daily. Moreover, many of them replace their breakfast or lunch with a snack.
Snacks Can Help in Preventing Overeating
Too much snacking can lead to weight gain. It’s important to properly manage your portions. In addition, choose lower-calorie snacks loaded with nutrients.
For example, choose to consume fresh, whole foods…like vegetables and fruits that supply our bodies with essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Small quantities of high-protein snacks — like beans, cheese and nuts, are more satisfying. Besides, they keep you full longer. Moreover, choose whole-grain crackers or breads.
Preparing Healthy Snacks
You can try out some snacking strategies by portioning your snacks ahead of time.
The most healthful and satisfying snacks include a combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. For instance, to incorporate all three macronutrients, having a small amount of dried fruits, with a handful of whole-grain crackers (carbohydrate) and a little low-fat cheese (protein, fat) would accomplish this goal.
Plan your snacks ahead of time. When you get hungry, you will already have something healthy to eat.
With the right ingredients, and a little planning, you can make quick, nutritious options. This strategy will help to keep you energized all through the day.
Here are a few simple tips.
- Prepare healthy options like fruit and veggies by keeping them washed and ready.
- Store your prepared produce in containers in the refrigerator to make your snacking choice easier.
- Experiment with different food groups. Try combinations like bananas with peanut butter, or yogurt with berries. These combos are balanced, satisfying snacks. Be creative!
- In order to avoid being tempted, store any unhealthy snacks in harder-to-access areas of your kitchen. For that matter, commit to not keeping, or eating unhealthy snacks.
- Stay hydrated. Instead of drinking sugary drinks, drink unsweetened tea — or preferably, plenty of water.
Twelve Suggestions for Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks
Each suggestion provides around 150 to about 200 calories.
- One banana, sliced and spread with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- One medium apple or pear with 12 almonds
- 1 cup of grapes or cherry tomatoes with one string cheese
- 1 cup of raw carrots, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers with2 tablespoons of black bean dip or 1/4 cup hummus
- 1-cup tomato soup with five whole grain crackers
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries and a sprinkle of granola
- 1/4 cup trail mix containing dried fruit, dark chocolate, and walnuts
- 1/3 cup rolled oats cooked in 1-cup milk with cinnamon
- One hard-boiled egg and 12 almonds
- Fruit smoothie blended with 1-cup milk, half of a small banana, and 1/2 cup berries
- One-half of a small whole-wheat tortilla with two slices of turkey, tomato, and a few slices of avocado
- Five whole-wheat crackers and 1-ounce cheddar-cheese
For the reason that calorie counts vary from product to product, it’s better to check the Nutrition Facts label. Adjust your serving size base on the calories of each product.
Take steps to improve your health! Snack well!
