This post goes to all the snackers out there! Yes I am talking to you, the one that loves to open up a bag of air that just so happens to have some potato chips inside, which provide no nutritional value for your body. I get it, it’s very tempting to throw M&M’s in the air and try to catch them in your mouth in order to pass the time. The problem is not the snacking itself, which is actually beneficial for weight management, it’s the junk food that we decide to snack on. If you are anything like me, you don’t like to be finished with a snack after one bite, you would rather snack on it for a while in order for it to feel satisfying. Therefore, I have provided some information and facts about my favorite delicious, but also nutritious simple snacks that you can munch on in 2016. Tis’ the time for a new year and a new you, right? So, ditch the old snacks that are filled with empty calories and get on board with these nutrient dense treats. And snack on my friends!
Edamame: One cup of edamame contains 17 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and 189 calories. You can season with salt and serve hot or cold.
Greek yogurt: has twice as much protein as other yogurts. It takes longer to leave your stomach, keeping you satisfied longer. Choose nonfat, low-fat, and low-sugar types. Throw some fresh fruit in there to spice up the flavor and the nutritional value!
Air-Popped Popcorn: Three cups of plain Air-Popped Popcorn may seem like a lot, but you’re not getting a lot of calories. All that air adds volume without adding fat or sugar. (It is also perfect for playing that catch-in-your-mouth game that you used to play with M&M’s.)
Pistachios: 49 pistachios = 160 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. (Compared to 13 flavored tortilla chips which = 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fiber.)
Fruit & Protein: One good combination of fruit with protein is one large apple and one cup of skim milk. This duo will give you 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber for just over 200 calories.
Mini Sweet Peppers & Hummus: 6 sweet peppers consist of about 50 calories and one 2oz single cup of Sabra Hummus is 150 calories. Go ahead and dip the peppers in the hummus for a sweet and carefree snack.
