10 Healthy Snacks to Keep You Going

Posted by Caley on July 27th, 2009 at 07:38am

I’ve heard about a healthy food idea going on in the UK called Graze. Basically, the company puts together Graze boxes full of fresh and dried fruit, nuts and seeds which can be delivered through the standard post box. These boxes encourage snacking throughout the day as an alternative to lunch. The company insists that you can lose weight, eat more healthily and spend less with the help of these Graze boxes. The idea is interesting for those that do not have the time to assemble their own lunches, and the value and variety of food offered might be very good. Overall though, I think most people can assemble their own healthy grazing snacks. Since this service is not offered in the states (unless someone has seen something similar) anyway, I’ve decided to put together some healthy snack ideas for you.

1. Hummus and Vegetable Sticks- I am snacking on hummus and carrot sticks right now! The chickpeas in hummus are a great source of protein.
2. Whole-Wheat Pita Chips- Simply pick up some whole-wheat pita at the store and bake in the oven for tasty pita chips. Sprinkle with cumin and chili pepper before baking for spicy pita chips or use BBQ seasoning. I like to sprinkle with cinnamon before baking.
3. Frozen Banana- Frozen bananas are a great treat in the summer. I like to cover mine with melted dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), which is full of antioxidants, before freezing. Freeze on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. You can also create frozen Banana Peanut Butter Pops, sweetened with a touch of honey.
4. Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa- Make your own tortilla chips by cutting whole-wheat or corn tortillas into wedges, tossing with olive oil or cooking spray and a touch of salt and baking at 350 until lightly browned. Serve with Fresh and Easy Tomato Salsa or a heartier Black Bean and Corn Salsa.
5. Fruit Salad and Yogurt- To encourage yourself to eat more fresh fruit, make a large fruit salad at the beginning of the week with whatever fruits are in season. Add a big splash of lemon or lime to keep the fruit from browning. Enjoy with a dollop of plain or vanilla fat-free yogurt.
6. Trail Mix- Trail mix is the ultimate grazing food with nuts and seeds for energy. Try this Vanilla-Hazelnut Trail Mix or this Cinnamon-Raisin Trail Mix.
7. Nuts and 2-3 Cubes of Cheese- A handful of nuts and a small amount of cheese will satisfy your hunger and give you loads of energy. For a more exciting nut snack, try making some Roasted Chili Peanuts.
8. Rice Cakes and Fat-Free Cream Cheese- Two puffed rice cakes spread with a small amount of fat-free cream cheese (preferably vegetable or chive instead of the plain varieties) continues to be one of my favorite snacks.
9. Ants on a Log- Spread a small amount of nut butter over celery sticks and top with raisins. This is a classic childhood snack and is also great for adults.
10. Smoothie- Use fresh seasonal produce or frozen berries to create smoothies with fat-free yogurt. I love to combine fresh-squeezed orange juice with frozen strawberries and plain yogurt. Yum!

Tags: grazing, recipes, snacks

Under healthy eating Tags: grazing, recipes, snacks