Thursday, July 28, 2011

Healthy Snack Foods

Healthy Snack Foods


Hunger can strike hard and fast any time of the day. Grabbing a quick snack gets you to the next meal. But don't let bad snacking habits get in the way of an otherwise healthy diet. The key is to choose healthy snack foods and eat when you are truly hungry.


Significance


It's fine to indulge once in a while, but think of snacks as mini-meals and choose the same healthy foods as you would at meals.


Types


Healthy snack foods are basic foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, healthy dips and yogurt.


Low-Calorie Snack Foods


If it's the munchies you have more than hunger pangs, choose lower-calorie healthy snacks like popcorn, veggies like celery and carrots, or whole grain chips and crackers.


Filling Snack Foods


If you need a bit extra to make it to the next meal, choose more calorie-dense healthy snacks like nuts and nut butters, bean dips or even a sandwich.


What to Avoid


Stay away from snack foods that have calories but not much nutrition. Soda and sweetened beverages, sweet baked goods like cake and doughnuts, and even refined wheat crackers and pretzels have little nutrient value.







Tags: Snack Foods, Healthy Snack, healthy snacks, healthy snacks like, next meal