Everyone loves snacks – they often help us get through the toughest days. But if you're on a diet, you're likely limiting your snacks because they connote something unhealthy that you shouldn't be having. In fact, it's good to eat healthy snacks when you're hungry – denying yourself food when you need it is not a great idea for both health and psychological reasons. But if you choose diet-friendly snacks, you'll stay on course and feel good. Here are some great healthy snack ideas:
- Popcorn: This healthy popped treat adds plenty of good fiber to your diet. Just make sure to choose lightly salted popcorn without artificial butter, which is not a healthy option.
- Chips: No, not potato chips – veggie chips, like beets, sweet potatoes, zucchini, kale and carrots. Simply use a mandolin to slice them thinly, place the vegetables on a parchment paper lined sheet and sprinkle modestly with salt and pepper and bake them at 300 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how thinly you've sliced them.
- Yogurt: Try plain Greek yogurt with fresh, in-season berries and a drizzle of honey. This high-protein snack is a good way to get you through the rest of your day.
- Crackers: If you're craving carbs, it's OK to eat a few multi-grain crackers that are low in fat and sodium. Top them with hummus and an avocado slice for a heart-healthy snack that's also delicious. If you just can't say no to cheese, swiss is a great low-fat cheese that's tasty, too.
- Oatmeal: Oats don't really seem like a snack, but they're filling ad provide excellent complex carbs that keep your blood-sugar level throughout the day. Give your oatmeal a protein boost by mixing in Naturade Pea Protein in Vanilla.