Try these 5 healthy and simple snack options that are healthy and low in calories. These healthy snack recipes are also easy to prepare.
What’s good about preparing your own snacks? You can save some dollars, you have healthy snacks available, you know the raw ingredients of what you are eating.
Did you know that when you are on a diet, if you eat something and no one sees you – it doesn’t contain any calories! Of course, that’s not true…but it is how many of us think!
Do you eat when you are bored, upset or angry? Do you find that every day requires a chocolate bar to get you through the afternoon? If you are trying to lose weight, you may feel guilty about snacks.
The good news is that a healthy eating programme leading to weight does not have to be like this. You can lose weight without being hungry or guilty!
It’s possible to take control of the “Snack Monster” and healthy snacking can lead you to weight loss success, not a failure. So instead of being full of regret about snacking, choose your snacks wisely and have more energy and vitality, without the guilt.
The keys to healthy snacking are to select foods that:
can satisfy your hunger,
supply your body with energy, and
provide important nutrients
Look for foods that contain the following:
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller longer. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don’t eat them in large quantities.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with no fat and only a small amount of calories. They also provide vitamins, minerals, fibre and other nutrients.
Whole Grains
Whole-grain snacks are rich in complex carbohydrates and fibre, which give you immediate energy that has some staying power. Consider items such as low-fat whole-grain crackers and whole grain crispbreads.
Low-fat Dairy Products
Cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are good sources of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. Be sure to choose low fat versions.
Prepare for your week and have a range of healthy snacks on hand at home or in the office and snack on healthy choices with peace of mind.
Sesame Carrots
Try this simple snack with the sesame seeds that add a nice touch.
Ingredients
2 cups baby carrots
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
pinch of dried thyme
pinch of kosher salt
Instruction
Toss carrots with sesame seeds, thyme and kosher salt in a small bowl.
Make 3 servings.
Calories per Serving: 33
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
The Halloween favorite is actually a nice healthy snack choice any time of the year.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds
2 tsp butter, melted
1 pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt.
3. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Stir occasionally. Makes 6 servings.
Calories per Serving: 83
Cheesy Popcorn
This snack is so tasty you will think it can’t be healthy.
Ingredients
4 cups hot air-popped popcorn
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
cayenne pepper, to taste
Instruction
Toss popcorn with Parmesan and cayenne to taste.
Makes 4 servings.
Calories per Serving: 75
Sun Dried Tomato Dip
This dip is perfect for veggies, tortillas or other healthy options like Melba toast.
Ingredients
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, re-hydrated
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup non-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
basil leaves, for garnishing
Instructions
1. Puree the sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in the food processor. Add the cream cheese and process until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the sour cream and pulse until combined. Be careful not to over process or the mixture will liquefy.
3. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh basil. Makes 10 servings.
Calories per Serving: 52
Hummus
This fresh version of a store bought favorite will blow you away with its fresh taste.
Ingredients
2 cups canned garbanzo beans, drained
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pinch of paprika
1 tsp minced fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Place the garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice, salt and garlic in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the garbanzo bean mixture.
4. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Makes 8 servings.
Calories per Serving: 77
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