If you can’t resist snacking between meals, do so consciously. The wrong snacks have just as many (if not more) calories, grams of sugar, fat, and sodium as the full meals you eat, and that’s not a good thing! If you’re mindful about your weight and want to maintain your health, you’re going to need to revamp your snacking style immediately.
You don’t have to sacrifice taste for the sake of eating healthily. Here are low-calorie, delicious snack ideas to sink your teeth into:
- Radishes. At one calorie a piece, radishes are delicious when sliced or eaten whole. They’re full of fiber which helps you feel full longer.
- Bell Peppers. One slice has two calories in it no matter what color you choose to snack on. Nosh on red, yellow or green peppers and reduce your risk of heart disease. They’re packed with folate and vitamin B6 which is yet another bonus to eating them! And they taste great with some fresh hummus!
- Cauliflower. One floret has an amazing three calories in it. Cauliflower mash has the same texture and consistency as mashed potatoes. The next time you’re craving something starchy, opt for a healthier option with a few florets.
- Strawberries. At four calories, you can’t afford not to have something sweet once in a while. Ripe strawberries are delicious by themselves or blended into a smoothie. They help fight diabetes and heart disease which makes them something you’ll want to have on hand often.
- Celery. You don’t have to diet to love celery. At six calories a stalk, you can eat your fill without feeling guilty. If you need to dress up your celery, try a splash of Tabasco sauce. It’s like having a Bloody Mary without all the calories!
- Dill Pickles. At eight calories a pickle, you can satisfy cravings for something salty and crunchy at the same time. If you’re really ambitious, make your own pickles from sliced cucumbers and rice wine vinegar. They’re zesty and delicious.
- Olives. Enjoy five delicious olives for 26 calories! Lower your bad cholesterol with good fats. Olives are great for eating by themselves or in salads where they give vegetables an extra boost of flavor.
Try to eat foods in their natural state (raw) as possible to get the most vitamins and nutrients from each serving. If you must cook them, learn low calorie ways to enhance the flavor of your favorite snack foods. And keep in mind that each snack has a specific serving size.
Need to know if your choice of sweet, salty or savory snack makes the cut for a wholesome, healthy snack? Download the free INRFOOD app for iOS or Android today. Use it to track what you eat, learn more about nutrition, and the amount of calories in the foods you consume. You’ll make better choices about snacks with the right tools on hand.