1. Olives

A craving for salt is very common among dieters but, unfortunately, almost all foods with added salt are pretty fattening. Instead of breaking your healthy eating rules and grabbing a packet of crisps, pack a few olives into your lunch. They make a tasty mid-afternoon snack and are naturally salty so they’ll satisfy that craving.

2. Sushi

On a diet, you can get away with about 6 pieces of maki with no mayo and taken with light soy sauce. Sushi is a delicious, light and wheat-free lunchtime meal, and made with tuna or salmon, it’s packed full of omega fatty acids and necessary proteins. If you’re keen on sashimi, you can pile your plate with a whole lot more since without the rice, sushi makes an even more effective slimming snack.

3. Popcorn

Contrary to popular belief, popcorn actually has a low glycemic index (or GI), which means it takes a long time for your body to break it down. It won’t give you the same intense energy kick-and-crash effect that you get after you’ve eaten crisps, and it tastes just a good as its potato-ey snack-relatives. Don’t overload your popcorn with salt, however, as this will counteract the health benefits.

4. Jacket Sweet Potatoes

As I’ve mentioned, potatoes have a high glycemic index which means they’re easily broken down in the body and deliver energy in an intense burst which won’t last long. Because of this, foods with a low GI leave us unsatisfied after a short time. Sweet potatoes have a low GI, and so they’re great for keeping us going over long periods without crashing and craving. They can be baked like ordinary potatoes and filled with a variety of tasty fillings. Stay away from the marshmallows and sugar options though: they’re not really diet food.

5. Dried Fruit

I know this one sounds a little boring, but dried fruit is actually pretty tasty. The drying process causes flavours to intensify and textures to change and, trust me girls, this is not a bad thing. It makes a great mid morning or afternoon snack because it’s high in fructose which gives us energy but it won’t pile on the pounds. I recommend dried mango or apricot: healthy and delicious.

6. Smoked Salmon and Rocket on Rye

This delicious lunch time sandwich is low in fat, packet with nutrients, and also out-of-this-world tasty. You can afford to be liberal with the salmon, ladies, it’s super-good for you! Add a squeeze fresh lemon juice and a little zest for flavour. This is one snack you cannot complain about!

7. Seasoned Avo

Get yourself a fresh avocado, cut it in half, sprinkle with the seasoning salt of your choice and tuck in. What could be easier girls? It’s all natural, it’s oh-so good for you and it’ll keep your energy levels up between meals.

What healthy snacks do you ladies like to nibble on? Got any suggestions to add?

Top Photo Credit: couturebay.com