When in the mood to throw the first thing you see into your body, turn to these healthy, low-calorie, high energy, great tasting snacks that will keep you satisfied until lunch or dinner, all under 100 calories.
The time in between meals when you get that faint rumbling in your stomach is one of the toughest times to fend off high-calorie snacks, especially when surrounded by a vending machine or people with unhealthy snacks. The snack aisle of your local supermarket is strewn with questionable chemicals, catastrophic calories, and snacks that are stripped of all their sustenance. Making the smart choice is critical.
Sometimes it is OK to indulge every once in a while, but when you have cravings, turn to this list for a small and satisfying bite that won’t ruin a healthy day.
Looking for something that will give you a quick energy boost, satisfy your sweet tooth, and that does not deliver an entire meal’s worth calories? Try baked apples.
Core an apple and dust with cinnamon and a tablespoon of brown sugar, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes (or until tender, but not mushy) for a classic apple pie taste without the guilt.
Or try berries n’ cream for a quick treat. Mix one cup of mixed berries (frozen or fresh) with two tablespoons of whipped topping.
“After school, I am usually starving and head for a bag of chips or cookies. To fill my sudden craving, I like to snack on something quick, easy, and healthy that I can take to school or eat a lot without feeling guilty, like cucumber salad. I cut one cucumber and mix with two tablespoons chopped red onions and two tablespoons apple-cider vinegar,” says freshman Jackalyn Durante.
For something salty and savory, try sweet potato fries. Take one sweet potato, toss with one tablespoon of olive oil, and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.
For something with a tangy taste, chow down on some carrots and hummus. Take 10 baby carrots and dip with two tablespoons of hummus and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
“Snacks are often mindless, autopilot eating and we usually eat them when we are not even hungry, but usually bored or want a reward. The snacks I like to eat are healthy and I can eat as much as I want, whenever I want,” said freshman Kayla Heizer.
For something refreshing and cool, make a tropical juice smoothie. Blend a quarter cup of pineapple juice, orange juice, apple juice, and ice for a healthy slushy.
Also try popping some grapes in the freezer for two hours or longer for an on-the-go snack.
Eating snacks with the right ratio of nutrients and calories will help keep your body energized and help you lose weight. There are so many healthy ways we can substitute junk foods with healthy, low calorie treats that can please any palate while still leaving room for dinner.
The next time hunger creeps up when least convenient, make or pack these healthy treats.
How will you fight cravings, get the right ratio of nutrients, and keep your body energized next time you are hungry?
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