Snacking throughout the day can be quite tricky, but making the right choices on what and when to eat will not ruin your diet. Steal some ideas with these 10 low-calorie and tasty snacks. Not only will they satisfy your cravings, but they will also prevent you from going for something unhealthy while being in a rush.
The Need for Snacks
Amy S. Margulies, R.D., shares that when it comes to having snacks, you should determine if you’re actually hungry and not just bored or stressed. Physical hunger approaches gradually and makes your stomach growl. People usually feel the need to satisfy their hunger with a little snack. ‘Head hunger,’ however, comes unexpectedly, most often from a commercial or just boredom. Your brain starts thinking about this one specific food, and it’s usually the one that will make you feel guilty afterward.
The key to managing your cravings is eating – but not just anything. You need to have balanced and nutritious meals to keep both your body and mind satisfied. So what are the snacks to go for? They must be low-calorie and filled with fiber. High-protein foods also keep you full for longer.
Apple and Almond Butter
Slice up a medium-sized apple and top it with two tablespoons of almond butter. Nut butter is full of fiber and plant protein and will satisfy your craving for something sweet.
Cottage Cheese and Tomatoes
Cottage cheese contains a slow-digesting dairy protein called casein that makes you feel fuller for longer. Stuff some tomatoes with cottage cheese, and you’ll have a great afternoon snack.
High-Protein Yogurt, Berries, and Walnuts
High-protein yogurt, topped with one tablespoon of crushed walnuts and one cup of berries of your choice, is not only a yummy snack but also a great pre-workout energy boost.
Hard-Boiled Eggs on Toast
Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Choline, for example, fights cholesterol. Hard boil them and place them on some toast for quick afternoon snacks or after a mid-morning workout.
Whey Protein and Banana
Whey protein powder is quite convenient when you’re on the go. Put one scoop in a shaker bottle and take it with you, along with a banana or another fruit of choice. This snack is filling and full of nutrients. If you’re on a plant-based diet, there’s an option for you, too – a vegan protein powder.
Turkey Half-Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread
Turkey breast is full of protein and is a low-calorie option that keeps you full. Make a quick sandwich, adding avocado, lettuce, and tomato for extra fiber.
Shrimp Cocktail With Crudité
A shrimp cocktail is not only refreshing but it’s also a high-protein snack. Add some veggies to make it crunchy but be cautious with the cocktail sauce – it can be high in sugar.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
This is the sweet and salty combination you didn’t know you needed in your life. You can add some spices for an extra kick, like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Just mix together watermelon and feta, and in a small bowl, whisk canola oil, honey, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt together. Pour the mixture on top of the salad and top with any herbs and spices of your choice.
Caprese Skewer
This is a quick and nutritious snack, full of protein. You can make it in a bowl or a wooden skewer if you want to be fancy. Slide one piece of mozzarella onto a skewer and follow with one small cherry tomato and a piece of fresh basil. Do this four times and add some balsamic vinegar on top.
A Snack Bar and a Piece of Fruit
If you’re in a rush or simply don’t have the energy to prepare something healthy, you need snacks that you can just take and toss in your bag. A protein bar and your favorite piece of fruit are the perfect pair. Don’t forget to check out the ingredients and aim for at least 3 g fiber or 15 g protein. The fruit will provide you with some extra vitamins and minerals.