Basically, a healthy snack is the one that contains little or no sugar, little or no salt (sodium), no white flour and no saturated fat. Check the food labels to see what is inside. Many foods are now labeled ‘fat free’ but are laden with sugars and will still cause an influx of calories. Do not assume that ‘fat free’ means healthy! Western societies are eating more and more fat free foods, and yet obesity levels are rising faster than ever. Healthy snacks do not live in a vending machine. Here are some healthy snack ideas.
- Raw vegetables, such as celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms or zucchini may be served with a lowfat dip.
- Fresh fruit in season.
- Lowfat quick breads and muffins, such as pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran.
- Non-sugared cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal.
- Lowfat yogurt with fresh, frozen or canned fruit.
- Shakes with lowfat milk or yogurt and fruit.
- A few squirts of butter-flavored spray and a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder on popcorn
Organize yourself to stay on track.
- Plan to have a small snack mid morning and mid afternoon. It is much better to curb your hunger than to starve yourself.
- Plan your snacks as part of your overall daily food plan.
- Organize your week – especially if you work outside the home. Write a list of snacks for the entire week and make sure you shop ahead. Buy enough to last the whole week.
- Buy a variety of healthy snacks so you don’t get bored.
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