Like most people, when I'm hungry and need a snack, I grab a cookie, candy bar, chips or popcorn. Who wouldn’t want to have them to snack on? Well, I have decided that it’s time to change up my routine. Of course, in order to maintain or lose weight it’s all about moderation. But why not give up some of your favorites for a healthier option? Of course, I will take at least one day a week and splurge on something that I enjoy to eat. Why deprive yourself of your guilty favorites? I have listed just a few low-carb snacks ideas that you can have at home or work... try working these into your snack rotation!
Cut one part-skim mozzarella cheese stick in half lengthwise. Roll about 1 ounce of sliced roasted turkey breast around half of a part skim mozzarella cheese stick and repeat with the remaining cheese and turkey to make a total of two roll-ups. *Each serving contains: 3.5 grams carbohydrates, 0.3 gram fiber, 144 calories, 17 grams protein, 6.6 grams fat, and 3.8 grams saturated fat.
Top a typical side salad with a hard-boiled egg or 1/4 chopped avocado, drizzle with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette. So tasty! *Each serving (with egg) contains: 3 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 146 calories, 11 grams protein, 10 grams fat, and 3 grams saturated fat. *Each serving (with avocado) contains: 6 grams carbohydrates, 4.4 grams fiber, 120 calories, 4 grams protein, 9 grams fat, and 2 grams saturated fat.
Cut artichoke in half (from the stem to the tip) and cut out the inedible thistle part of the center of the artichoke. Place in microwave-safe, covered container with 1/2 cup water and cook on high until tender throughout (about 6 minutes for one artichoke or 10 minutes for two). Enjoy with lemon juice or 2 teaspoons of canola oil or olive oil mayonnaise. This is one of my favorite fall treats! *Each serving (with lemon juice) contains: 17 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 76 calories, 5.5 grams protein, .2 gram fat, and .01 gram saturated fat. Did you see that? Less than one gram of fat! *Each serving (with mayonnaise) contains: 17 grams carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 106 calories, 5.5 grams protein, 3 grams fat, and 0.1 gram saturated fat.
Toss 2 ounces of cooked thawed shrimp with 1/4 avocado (chopped) and a tablespoon of cocktail sauce. *Each serving contains: 8.5 grams carbohydrates, 3.4 grams fiber, 161 calories, 13 grams protein, 7.6 grams fat, and only 1.2 grams saturated fat.
Most fast food isn't very good for you, but most restaurants offer salads that make great healthy snacks. I love the Caesar salads best. *Each serving contains: 12 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 220 calories, 30 grams protein, 6 grams fat, and 3 grams saturated fat.
Serve 3 celery stalks with 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter. Crunchy and fulfilling! *Each serving contains: 8.5 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 208 calories, 7 grams protein, 16 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat.
A handful, depending on the size of the hand, can be the ideal snack portion: a quarter cup. You can keep roasted, unsalted mixed nuts on hand or choose any variation of nuts. This will satisfy your craving for something salty, and is so much healthier than chips! *Each serving (1/4 cup roasted almonds) contains: 6.7 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 205 calories, 9.5 grams protein, 18 grams fat, 1.4 grams saturated fat.
Enjoy high protein soybeans as a snack is to put 3/4 cup of frozen, shelled edamame into a microwave-safe bowl and micro-cook them for a few minutes or until nice and hot. Sprinkle with pepper and 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, if desired. *Each serving contains: 8 grams carbohydrates, 4.3 grams fiber, 97 calories, 9 grams protein, 4 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat. How's that for healthy?
Cut one large carrot into sticks or coins and serve with 1/4-cup hummus. You can also use baby carrots instead of the large carrot sticks. It’s your choice. *Each serving contains: 15.8 grams carbohydrates, 5.8 grams fiber, 133 calories, 6 grams protein, 6 grams fat, 0.9 grams saturated fat.
Blend a cup of light soy milk with a shot or two (1/8 to 1/4 cup) of espresso or triple-strength coffee (decaf if you're sensitive to caffeine). Serve over or blend with 3/4 cup crushed ice for an iced soy latte. This is great if you're a coffee fiend, like me! *Each serving contains: 8.5 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 73 calories, 6 grams protein, 1.9 grams fat, 0 gram saturated fat.
What do you think of the choices above? Is this something you would trade your popcorn or cookies in for? If you have other low-carb snack ideas that are not on the list above please share. I am always looking for new snack ideas!