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How many of you are secret snackers? This snacking can go into overdrive in the evenings after work when you’re super hungry and dinner isn’t ready.
You snatch a muffin from the countertop while you’re reading posts or emails. And then you spot a bag of potato chips sitting on the countertop. Salt and vinegar chips aren’t your favorite, but they’re looking mighty tasty right now.
Enjoying a guilty snack once in a while is completely normal, but it can become a habit. You can snack on delicious, healthy things instead and they don’t have to take a long time to make. Up next we’ve got a few ideas.
Yogurt
Yogurt makes for an amazing snack for any diet, but if it is combined with too much sugar, it can be turned into something not-so-good. A great way to eat your yogurt is with plenty of fresh fruit so you get sweetness and vitamins too.
An after-work yogurt snack packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics will only cost you at least about 150 calories. Pecans and a honey drizzle are a lovely addition, too.
Seeds
Seeds are a healthy fat and protein source and are great mixed with other things as well as on their own. You can put them on top of things like yogurt, oatmeal, and fruit bowls.
There is a wide variety of seeds to choose from like sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds as well as even healthier chia seeds and hemp seeds.
If you like variety, take a small handful or make a batch of homemade trail mix, which can be made up of a blend of nuts and seeds with other add-ins such as roasted chickpeas, cereal, and dried fruit.
Popcorn
Popcorn is rich in fiber and makes for a healthy snack. That is as long as you do not coat it with melted butter, without butter it is also low in calories. For a simple, healthy snack, have a few packets of microwaveable popcorn handy.
There are less than 300 calories in one regular-sized bag. You can buy single-serving sizes as well. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or mixed seasoning blends on top if plain popcorn looks boring.
Hummus and Carrots
Classic hummus is made of sesame oil and chickpeas, so it has both plant protein and good fat and fiber. Carrots are a good source of potassium and vitamin A, so the combination makes a tasty and healthy snack.
Half a hummus cup has around 200 calories, as far as calories go, while eight baby carrots have approximately 30 calories.
Hummus with baked pita chips or pieces of pita bread is fine as well. Or try celery, broccoli, or cauliflower and other fresh veggies.
Small Sandwich
For an evening snack, a regular-sized sandwich is too heavy, so make a finger sandwich or two. Pick a whole-grain bread, lots of vegetables, and maybe a slice or two of ham or lean turkey breast.
For less than 300 calories, a small sandwich like this provides more than enough vitamins and minerals.
A ‘grown-up’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with whole-grain bread, no-added-sugar nut butter, and low-sugar fruit spread is yet another great treat.
Rice Cakes
A simple rice cake is low in calories but relatively dull on its own. It does however make a great crunchy base for toppings. You can use it as a substitute for bread and top it with egg salad.
Around 8 grams of protein, 260 calories, and plenty of zinc, selenium, and magnesium are contained in two rice cakes paired with a quarter of a cup of egg salad.
Plain yogurt with honey and berries, sliced avocados with lime juice, or cottage cheese with sliced tomato are other delicious toppings.
Bottom Line
If you keep some of the above ingredients on hand, you won’t be tempted to go digging around your junk drawer, and your body and waistline will thank you for it.