Smart snacking is one of the main changes you can make in your eating habits to be Healthier and Skinnier.
We all know how Mindless Snacking easily adds on Unwanted Calories to our love handles, belly, thighs and just anywhere!
BUT… Sometimes it seems really hard to avoid the fact that there’s a double chocolate ice cream in the freezer, store bought pineapple juice and coke in the fridge, bag of chips and pretzels in the pantry, cookies and candies somewhere around the house…
Then we all know what happens next! Only 1 scoop of ice cream becomes 10 , Only 5 chips become 25, and the rest is history!
If you’re nodding your head with a big smile on your face, then you know what I’m talking about!
Truth being said, after a long day and especially after work you feel tired, exhausted, and HUNGRY!
So, at that moment it’s very likely to lose control and go for that bag of chips!
Lots of snacks such as; cookies, candies, chips, sport drinks, store bought juices and smoothies contain tons of carbs, fat, added sugar and calories!
By easily choosing to replace these unhealthy snacks with healthier options, not only you will shed couple of pounds, but you will also become healthier!
Here Are Some Ways to Make Healthier Changes in Your Snacking Habits:
1.Get Rid of All the Unhealthy Junk Foods in Your Home
It’s time to ditch junk food! With a heavy heart and tears in your eyes throw away every junk food you have in your home.
When you don’t have any junk food in your home you won’t even crave for it because you know you have nothing!
2. Stop Buying Junk Food
While grocery shopping, avoid the junk food aisles and look the other way! You’ll save some money and your body organs will thank you later!
3. Shop for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Avoid buying pre-cut fruit or vegetables, and go for fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
In majority of grocery stores you can find berries, melons, apples, mangos, and variety of vegetables chopped and sliced and packed nicely!
They are not only ridiculously more expensive, but also not the healthiest option out there!
4. Shop for Nuts in Bulk
If you’re not allergic to certain nuts, they are the perfect snack for any time of the day.
However, try to buy nuts in bulk instead of prepared in individual packages.
Some of the pre-packed nuts contain salt, different flavors or some are covered in chocolate. Definitely tasty, but not a very healthy option!
My Top 10 Healthy Snack Ideas:
1. Greek Yogurt with Granola and Fresh Berries
Greek Yogurt is one of the healthiest snacks, and it’s great source of Protein and Calcium.
There are so many ways you can serve Greek Yogurt, which one of the Tastiest ways is serving it with some Granola and Fresh Berries or any fruit of your choice.
If you don’t like the plain taste of Greek Yogurt, add a drizzle of honey to make it sweet!
2. Mixed Berries
What snack could possibly be more juicier, tastier, sweeter and of course healthier than a cup of Fresh Mixed Berries ?
Overall, Berries are low in Calories and are packed with Vitamin C and Fiber.
3.Fresh Fruits
Just like me you may have heard from a friend or family member that, “I don’t eat Banana it’s high in calories and Carbs” or “Don’t eat lots of fruits you may gain weight”…
Yes, some fruits contain higher Calories and Carbs than others.
BUT, you can’t compare fruits’ natural sweetness and carbs with a processed candy bar!
Fruits’ beneficiary factor like High Nutrients, Potassium, Fiber and Vitamins are just undeniable!
So go for that Banana or Apple with no fear of “carbs” or “sugar”!
4.Popcorn
If you’re craving for chips, go for Air-Popped Popcorn instead!
Did you know 3 cups of Air-Popped Popcorn contains ONLY 100 Calories?
Popcorn is relatively low in Calories and it’s a great source of Fiber, and it’s just the perfect snack!
5.Boiled Eggs
The wonderful fact about Egg is that, its high Protein and fiber will keep you full and satisfied longer!
Boiled Egg is one of the greatest snacks! Lots of people eat Boiled Egg with Carrot and Celery sticks as snack.
But you can be more creative with making a mini Salad with any vegetable of your choice and change the game!
6.Rice Cakes
Healthy, Easy, Tasty and by far my favorite snack!
Rice cake is low in Calories and it’s a great substitute for bread. You can pair a Rice Cake with so many healthy toppings. The list is just endless!
Check some Healthy Rice Cake Toppings Ideas here!
7.Dark Chocolate
I’m a Chocolate Lover and I don’t give up on my cravings for Chocolates easily!
Not all chocolates are “BAD” for you or will make you gain weight!
Actually, Dark Chocolates that contain over 70% Cocoa are beneficial for your health.
Eating 1 piece of Dark Chocolate a day will do you no harm!
8. Medjool Dates
Medjool Dates are one of the most popular Middle Eastern snacks that is usually served with Hot Tea.
I die for Stuffed Medjool Dates, and I eat it every single day!
Split a Date, remove the pit and fill it with a Walnut half. If you’ve never tried it, give it a try and I promise you won’t regret it!
9. Hummus
Hummus is another Healthy and Tasty Middle Eastern snack that is mainly made of Chickpeas, Tahini, Garlic, Lemon, Olive Oil and some spices.
Hummus contains good fat and it’s a great source of Plant-based Protein and Fiber.
You can serve Hummus with Cucumber, Bell Peppers, Carrot Sticks, Cherry Tomatoes or any other type of Veggies.
10. Nuts
Nuts are high in Nutrients and are great source of Protein, Fiber and Fat.
However, It’s incredibly easy to overeat Nuts! Just like anything else try to keep the balance not to overeat.
I suggest before starting to eat Nuts, separate your portion size out of the bag or the bowl, so this way it’s not going to get out of control!
Normally, I eat 10 Almonds and 4 Walnut halves a day and that’s because Almonds are my favorite nuts!
What are some Healthy Store-Bought Snacks?
I’m not against all Store-Bought Snacks. In fact, there are some Store-bought snacks that I trust!
I ALWAYS read the labels carefully, and do my research before buying a pre-packed snack.
So, I pretty much have created a list for myself while I want to shop for snacks!
If you’re curious to learn more about My List, check the Links Bellow.
Quaker Rice Cakes Variety Bundle
Skinny Pop Original Popped Popcorn
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Almonds
Made Good Healthy Snacks Fruity Variety
Note: I wrote this post back in August, so I’ve edited this post just a bit since then.
