Snacks are all too often the downfall of dieting. But if you get hungry in between meals, you’re also more likely to gorge yourself when you do get around to eating lunch or dinner. The solution? These surprisingly healthy snacks:
- Plain Frozen Grapes
Especially with plenty of hot summer afternoons ahead, this can be a go-to snack if you tend to crave ice cream or other frozen treats. Just rinse and thoroughly dry your grapes, then lay them out so they’re not touching each other and pop them in the freezer. You’ll be surprised by how sweet and satisfying they are in the late afternoon or after dinner.
- Black Pepper Popcorn
You can have a full cup of popcorn for under 50 calories if you skip the butter. To make up for that lost flavor, try black pepper as a topping, instead of salt.
- Mild Salsa and Veggies
If you’ve never looked up salsa nutritional facts, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that a classic mild salsa dip only has about 20 calories per serving. If you’re really serious about your diet, pair your salsa with veggies for dipping — if you’re trying to cut back more modestly, at least substitute fried chips for baked ones. You can make your own salsa, too, if you have the time — just remember that the best tomatoes for salsa are fresh Roma tomatoes.
- Cucumbers and Yogurt
Cucumbers and cream cheese are a classic combination, and you can cut down on the fat by substituting Greek yogurt for the cream cheese (while maintaining a similar texture and tang). Thick cucumber slices have almost as much crunch as a cracker, and are extremely low in calories.
- Pretzels and Cheese
Pretzels are still full of carbs, but they’re lower in calories and fat than other crunchy snacks. Pair 10 or so pretzels with some creamy low-fat cheese for a snack that feels saltier and richer than it really is.
What other healthy snacks help you keep your taste buds satisfied and your calorie count under control? Share your favorites in the comments.