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