While working towards losing or maintaining weight and trying to eat healthy, many of us struggle to keep up with our diets because food is simply TOO. GOOD. Right? Chocolate is too delicious and those brownies or that cake that your co-worker fixed is sooooo tempting, especially because it is right there and you did not have to prepare it. I have been there, and I know so many people that do not want to give up delicious treats. As such, I have prepared a list of 12 snack items that you can grab 'n' go or take a little bit of time out of your day to prepare and bring with you to work or just eat at home when you are feeling a bit peckish.
Don't worry. You can stick to your diet plans with these items, but enjoy yummy food at the same time!
On-the-Go
1. Nuts
This one is pretty self-explanatory. A serving of almonds or pistachios, which is equal to about one handful or one ounce, is all you need. Throw them in a plastic baggie and go. That will add up to about 200 calories per serving.
2. String Cheese and Fruit, Nuts, or Eggs
Okay, maybe you do not need to make them in the shape of a butterfly... but you totally can if you want to. ;)
3. Granola Bars
I know what you are thinking. "Wait, what...?! You mean I can eat those Chewy bars as much as I want?" Nope, sorry to burst your bubble, but there are certain granola bars that are just as bad for you as a candy bar. You will want to look for Larabars or KIND bars.
4. Greek Yogurt
Just like with granola bars, you do need to read the labels and check out that sugar content. Brands like Chobani, Fage, and Stonyfield have some good, healthy greek yogurts.
5. Hummus and Veggies or Pita Chips
You can buy hummus in-stores or make it at home. There are plenty of recipes online to guide you (as there are many different flavors of hummus to try!).
6. Crackers with Nutella and Banana Slices
Dividing evenly, spread two crisp bread crackers with one tablespoon chocolate-hazelnut spread. Top with one sliced banana. This snack is just a little over 200 calories. You get your chocolate fix this way, too!
Need to Make
7. Mini Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwiches
This finger food is packed with granola, cinnamon and raisins, which add an extra flair to the classic apples and peanut butter snack you may have eaten when you were a kid. Bonus: You can make the granola up to two weeks ahead of time and store it in an airtight container to save you time in your busy, grown-up life. You can buy granola from the store, too, but check the labels as noted before.
8. Baked Apples
Sounds tasty already, no? Here's what you'll need: three apples of your choice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, and a cup of water.
* Note: Be careful to make sure you are using the tablespoon and teaspoons for the right ingredients.* ;P
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a glass baking dish with tin foil.
2. Wash and slice apples in half, along core. Scoop out the core with a melon baller or spoon.
3. In a small bowl, mix sugar, oatmeal, peanut butter and spices. This should be crumbly.
4. Spoon one heaping tablespoon into each apple core and place apples in prepared glass dish.
5. Pour 1 cup of water around the apples.
6. Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes, until apple skin starts to wrinkle.
9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Breakfast Muffins
You do not need to be a little kid to enjoy the delicious combination of peanut butter and jelly. The recipe above gives you step-by-step directions on how to prepare this snack while keeping calories low... lower than if you were to actually fix a PB&J sandwich.
If you are like me, you love French fries with a passion. You also realize that they are not the healthiest for you to consume. There is a lot of grease and oil and saturated fat in them. Womp, wooooomp. :( Good news, though! Switching out potatoes for carrots is a healthier alternative, and they still taste great.
11. Vegan Artichoke Dip
Some vegetable dips that you buy in store or at a restaurant can hide a surprising number of calories, even pushing or exceeding 1,000 calories actually. Save your waistline by making dip at home using a food processor or blender. This recipe should not take longer than 10-15 for you to prepare this yummy artichoke dip.
12. Dark Chocolate and Nut Clusters
Mix together ¼ cup unsalted roasted nuts and 1 ounce melted dark chocolate (70 to 80% cocoa). Drop onto wax paper; refrigerate until set. This will be about 200 calories per serving.
Keep in mind that there are many other healthy snacking options out there as well! This list is just a starter guide to help you lovely folks out! Get out there and do some simple research if you would like more choices, which I am sure you do!
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