| Snacks and snacking get a bad rap in our | | | | instead of mayo |
| overly health-conscious society. Snacks | | | | 3. Low-fat string cheese |
| are full of calories... snacks spoil | | | | 4. Turkey sandwich on whole wheat pita |
| your appetite... snacking means you're | | | | 5. Baked potato topped with salsa and |
| eating junk food - not so! The truth is, | | | | low-fat sour cream |
| nutritionists agree that our bodies need | | | | 6. Apple or banana slices with peanut |
| re-fueling every 3 to 4 hours, and a | | | | butter |
| healthy snack gives you an energy boost | | | | 7. Whole grain bagel with low-fat cream |
| and can help keep hunger under control | | | | cheese |
| so you aren't tempted to overeat later. | | | | Of course there are times when you |
| The secret to snacking smart is being | | | | simply can't plan ahead, but are |
| prepared. Rather than scrambling when | | | | struggling with a hunger that's |
| hunger hits, or hunting for the nearest | | | | demanding you get something NOW. Grocery |
| vending machine, have healthy, | | | | shelves are stocked with items that say |
| energy-boosting snacks on hand and ready | | | | "all natural" or "light" but the only |
| to eat. Plan ahead for times you usually | | | | way you'll know for sure if these snacks |
| get hungry and be ready with an | | | | live up to the advertising is to read |
| alternative... something as close to | | | | the label - both front and back - to see |
| natural as you can get, without | | | | what's inside. Power bars and energy |
| additives, extra fat or chemicals that | | | | drinks are everywhere now, but beware - |
| add flavor and color, but no nutritional | | | | these aren't always the nutritious snack |
| value. | | | | they're touted to be. Many are highly |
| Snacks that satisfy your sweet tooth and | | | | processed, contain added fats or other |
| are still healthy: | | | | substances that can make them just as |
| 1. Graham crackers (or other whole | | | | nutritionally complete as a candy bar. |
| grain crackers)with low-fat chocolate | | | | If you're only option is fast food - |
| milk | | | | don't panic. These days, fast food |
| 2. Fresh fruit | | | | outlets offer more healthy menu options |
| 3. Smoothie made with skim milk and | | | | than ever before. All you need do is |
| fresh fruit juice | | | | keep your fast food snack as close to |
| 4. Baked sweet potato | | | | its natural state as possible - this |
| 5. Animal crackers | | | | means a baked potato over those fries... |
| 6. Low-fat yogurt with fruit | | | | a smoothie over a milkshake; frozen |
| 7. Frozen juice popsicle | | | | yogurt over an ice cream. If you must, |
| When it's something crunchy you crave, | | | | simply must, choose a high-calorie item |
| try these: | | | | - try controlling the portion size. |
| 1. Peanut butter crackers or rice cakes | | | | Before you dig into that loaded |
| 2. Cut up veggies with low-fat salad | | | | cheeseburger, take 1/3 and put it aside, |
| dressing | | | | then enjoy the rest, knowing at least |
| 3. Pretzels | | | | you're limiting the amount of high |
| 4. Breadsticks | | | | calorie, high fat food you're taking in. |
| 5. Air popped popcorn | | | | Healthy snacking, just like healthy |
| 6. Handful of raisins and roasted | | | | eating, takes practice, consistent |
| peanuts | | | | effort and the real, sincere desire to |
| 7. Pumpkin or sesame seeds | | | | make a change. But once you do, you'll |
| A few other healthy snacking options: | | | | stay energized and feel great - ready to |
| 1. Vegetable or bean soup | | | | take on whatever challenge your day |
| 2. Roast beef sandwich with mustard | | | | might bring. |