Healthy Snacking

The trick to snacking is to not think of "snacks" as being a bag of potato chips, crackers, or a granola bar. Think of snacks as being a mini meal. These mini meals should be around 100-200 calories each. This technique will provide your body with a feeling of fullness and give you the energy you need to make it through the day.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:

• One tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter on slices of a medium apple
• Three cups air-popped popcorn sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese
• Veggie snack: 6 baby carrots, 10 sugar snap peas (or green pepper strips), 6 cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons hummus for dipping
• Six whole-wheat crackers with low-fat cheese spread
• Slice of low-sodium deli turkey rolled up with 1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese
• Fruit smoothie: Blend 1 cup fat-free milk, ½ cup frozen strawberries and ½ banana
• One 6-inch flour tortilla with ¼ cup black beans and 2 tablespoons fresh salsa
• Whole wheat pita cut into wedges with 2 tablespoons hummus for a dip
• Yogurt parfait: Layer 6 ounces fat-free yogurt, ½ cup berries and ¼ cup granola
• Trail mix: Mix ¼ cup almonds, miniature box of raisins, and ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• One cup steamed Edamame beans
• Half a cup of low- fat cottage cheese with ¼ cup chopped peaches