The main function of snacking is to satisfy natural cravings between meals and help keep your metabolism going strong. But you shouldn’t grab just any food and start munching.
Instead, your first step should be to identify exactly what you have a craving for, which will prevent you from wasting calories on things your body doesn’t really want. Your second step? Figure out what healthy food will satisfy that craving.
Use the below guide to help you make every snack healthier and more delicious.
Do you crave something…CRUNCHY?
Then try:
1. Raw almonds.
Today you can find them in so many different varieties, including plain, fresh almonds. Each is about seven calories, so eat about 15 for a healthy snack. Savor them, one at a time.
2. Kashi TLC Crunchy Granola Bars.
These bars have joined Nature Valley as the go-to granola bar for health and flavor. They contain two bars (per package) totaling about 180 calories and are available in different flavors, including Honey Toasted 7-Grain, Pumpkin Spice Flax, or Roasted Almond Crunch.
3. Cut vegetables.
To make things more interesting, try red peppers, green peppers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, radishes, jicama, green beans, cucumbers, and/or asparagus. Still not tempted? Another plus about veggies? Their calorie counts are generally so low, and nutrition so high, that it’s hard to eat too many of them.
Do you crave something…CHEWY?
Then try:
1. Dried fruit.
Dried apricots are probably the most popular, but have you tried dried mango or papaya slices? Like apricots, they’re marvelously sweet and chewy. Too sweet? You can have roughly 10 rings of dried apple for the same calorie count, and they’re even chewier.
2. Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bar (Fruit & Nut).
This popular choice from Nature Valley is 140 calories, 25 percent from fat. It’s filled with oats, rice, almonds, sunflower seeds and more, held together with sticky corn syrup.
3. Edamame.
A half-cup of boiled soybeans is just 100 calories, but immensely satisfying and healthy. For a twist, sprinkle a little
