Satisfying Snacks

Snacking can be a great habit if you choose the right foods.  It can help to keep you energized and feeling great all day.  So, reach for these quick and easy, nutritious snacks when you’re feeling that hunger set in.
Each of these snacks provides about 200 calories of energy along with a variety of nutrients like calcium, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants.

• 1 banana topped with 1 Tbsp of natural peanut butter

• 4 celery stalks, each filled with ½ Tbsp peanut butter

• 2 Tbsp unsalted almonds or peanuts with ¼ cup of unsweetened dried fruit like raisins or apricots

• Hot air popcorn topped with butter spray and a light sprinkle of salt, chili powder or parmesan cheese

• 4 graham cracker squares (2 full sheets), 10 animal crackers, or 6 gingersnaps with 1 cup of 1%, skim or low-fat soy milk

• 1 cup of fresh berries with ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese

• 1 cup of high fiber cereal (bran flakes, mini wheats, oat bran etc) with ¾ cup 1% or skim milk

• 15 (baked) tortilla chops dipped in ¼ cup bean dip & ¼ cup salsa

• 1 slice of leftover veggie pizza (thin crust)

• 6-8 whole grain crackers with 1 piece of string cheese (preferably low-fat)

• 10-15 carrots or celery sticks dipped in 2 Tbsp of hummus or low-fat ranch dressing

• 1 slice of whole grain bread, 2 rice cakes, or 4 graham cracker squares topped with 1 Tbsp ’natural’ (no sugar added) peanut butter

• 1 cup low-fat yogurt topped with ½ cup berries & 1 Tbsp wheat germ

• 1 small low-fat(homemade) bran or oat & fruit muffin

• A protein or ‘energy’ bar (look for bars with less than 200 calories)

• 1 cup of ‘light yogurt sprinkled with 2 Tbsp granola

• 1/3 cup trail mix (without chocolate chips or candy)

• 1 slice whole grain bread or mini whole wheat pita with (1oz)lean turkey breast or roast beef and 1 slice low-fat cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, peppers and grated carrot topped with mustard or salsa

• Low-fat (sugar free) pudding or fudgsicle

• 1 cup snack mix with whole grain cereal with pretzel sticks or twists and raisins or dried cranberries & unsalted nuts (peanuts, almonds or walnuts)