Friday, October 31, 2008

Healthy snacks - Your path to fitness.

You voted and we listen! Blog readers overwhelmingly asked for tips on healthy snacking.

Let me start by refuting the belief that snacking is bad, unhealthy or somehow shows you lack will-power. Healthy snacks are an important part of a balanced diet. They help maintain energy, increase metabolism and give you an opportunity to eat foods you would not normally include in a standard meal.

In order to provide balanced energy, combine a high-protein food (meat, beans, eggs, nuts) with a high-carbohydrate food (bread, fruit, vegetables, crackers). Try these combinations or make up your own:

  • Low fat cottage cheese + peaches or berries
  • Apple + 1oz raw nuts
  • Celery sticks + peanut butter
  • Carrots + low-fat hummus
  • Baked tortilla chips + black bean dip
  • 1 Cup shredded wheat cereal + 1 cup skim or soymilk

If you have access to a grocery store, pick up 3oz of bean salad or sliced turkey from the deli. For about 100 calories, each will give you a hit of protein with little or no fat. If you are looking for grab & eat-solutions such as granola or protein bars, look for products with less than 10g sugar, less than 30% calories from fat and 10g or more protein. Happy snacking!

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