One thing I am really bad about is waiting too long to eat when I am hungry. I have so many things going on, and I know I need to eat, but by the time I get around to it, I’m starving and end up eating whatever junk food I can find. If I’m craving salt, I dive for the potato chips. Something sweet, I’m busting out the M&Ms. One of my resolutions is to quit buying junk food. That will solve my problem! But I still want to be able to snack…I just want to do it in a more healthy way. Here are some healthy snack ideas to satisfy the most common cravings.
Are You Craving Something Salty?
My go-to healthy snack when I crave something salty is hummus and pita chips. Easy and yummy!
Like I said, I usually go right for the potato chips. Instead, how about snacking on edamame. It’s so easy to prepare, and it’s something I can keep in the fridge ready to go. Just boil the edamame beans and flavor them with sea salt. They’re crunchy, salty and healthy.
Believe it or not, jerky is also a really good snack. It’s high in protein and low in fat, and it’s salty! And if you are smart about the jerky you purchase (check out Perky Jerky) it’s also a low carb and low calorie snack.
Are You Craving Something Sweet?
Instead of reaching for the Jolly Ranchers, how about fruit leather instead? Or dried fruits? Mix some dried fruit with some almonds and it’s an instant energy boost that will satisfy your sweet tooth. My kids actually think that prunes are candy!
One reason I like the idea of fruit for snacks is because it is sweet and easy to keep ready to eat. I always have fresh cut fruit in the fridge that I can pull out for the kids when they say they’re hungry.
Are You Starving and Want Something Filling?
Veggies always do the trick. Eating veggies with low fat dip is a filling treat that is easy to keep on hand.
Popcorn is also another healthy snack. There are many low-fat and fat free options available. You can even purchase individual bags that can be microwaved.
Are You Craving a Soda?
Skip it. It provides no nutritional value. It’s also packed with artificial sweeteners. Water is always your best bet, and by squeezing some lemon or other citrus into it, you can alter the taste.
If you want to drink juice, make sure it is100% real fruit juice (think Juicy Juice). If I am going to drink juice, I always drink half juice and half water, just to cut back on calories. And it still tastes just as yummy!
What are your favorite healthy snacks?
Photo Source: timlewisnm
