Healthy Snack Swaps For Next Week

Good-for-you snacks can be part of a healthy diet if snacking is done in a sensible way —hence not eating the entire bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses. Snacking throughout the day is not a bad habit, so long as it's conducted in moderation and with healthy choices. The truth is what you snack on in between meals goes a long way, especially in keeping your metabolism burning. If you have a regular exercise routine, it can also help continue to tone your muscles throughout the day. 

Healthy Snack Swaps

1. Plain Greek Yogurt before flavored Greek yogurt. Vanilla, coconut and many more, these can be very high in sugar. If you opt for the plain version, you can include your own toppings including fresh fruit, slivered almonds or powdered chocolate are all good options. 

2. Eat a carb with a lean protein: Instead of eating one apple or one serving of crackers try your favorite nut butter and dip apples in it. This food nutrient combination will help keep you fuller longer, staving off cravings. 

3. Ditch the flavored potato chips, and make homemade popcorn instead. Cook a serving of unbuttered popcorn and top with your favorite spices such as cumin, lemon pepper or garlic salt. 

4. No ice cream: Try this version: Mix low-fat ricotta cheese with handful of strawberries. Or even strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream. This will satisfy your sweet craving without going over the top. 

5. No crackers with hummus, dip celery or cucumbers instead.

6. Have tortilla chips with salsa instead of nacho cheese. 

7. Always choose baked over fried. 

Snack Tips

• Every Sunday, plan out your snacks for the week. Measure out seven little plastic bags of almonds or dried fruit, then grab and go each day before heading out the door.

• Give yourself scheduled times to snack—for example, every day at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This will make it easier to resist snacking opportunities that present themselves throughout the day (such as a co-worker’s birthday cake).

• Beware of “low calorie” or “low fat” options. Just because something claims to be a “100 calorie pack” doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy. Be sure that your snacks include a mix of fiber, protein and good fats to keep you full.

• Take a close look at energy bars. The best ones have more fiber and protein and less calories and saturated fat.