Snacks are a healthy addition to your diet or weight loss program. Snacks help ease your hunger between meals, which can help reduce your urge to overeat at regular mealtimes. The key to smart snacking is choosing healthy food options. Healthy cracker snacks travel well, make great between-meal treats and can be combined with other healthy food choices for before dinner appetizers.
Whole-Grain Flatbread
Flatbread, also called crispbread, comes in various textures, including a cracker flatbread version. Flatbread made with whole grains is filled with fiber and complex carbohydrates for energy and is low in fat. Whole grains also help keep blood sugar levels from rising and falling quickly, which keeps you from getting hungry.
Seeded Crackers
Crackers made with seeds from sunflowers, poppy seeds or pumpkin seeds provide rich sources of protein, fiber and vitamins. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of iron, zinc, magnesium and omega-6 and omega-3 fats. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps to make you feel full longer. Seeded crackers have a crunchy, nutty flavor that compliments low-fat cheese and cheese spreads.
Whole-Grain Crackers
Whole-grain crackers are available in a variety of flavors and come in both regular and low-fat options. Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet. Whole grains provide carbohydrates for energy and help reduce hunger pangs. Whole-grain crackers come in various types, including whole wheat, multigrain with a variety of grains, rice and stone-ground varieties. Be sure to read the label because some cracker varieties may contain higher quantities of sodium than others. The label should also list the particular grain as the first item, which indicates that it is the primary ingredient. Beware of whole-grain crackers that list refined wheat or flavorings that add extra calories.
Soybean Snack Crackers
Soybean snack crackers are baked and loaded with soy protein, which helps lower blood cholesterol. They may also help reduce your risk of cancer, according to the May 16, 2000, issue of Science Daily. Soy crackers are crispy and come in a variety of flavors, including garlic, barbeque and cheese flavors. Be sure to read the label for sodium counts because some soy crackers may have unacceptable levels of sodium. Healthy soy snack crackers are low in fat and sodium.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Snacks: How They Fit Into Your Weight-Loss Plan
- University of Alaska Fairbanks: Pumpkin Seeds; Julile Cacsio; 8-2010
- Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source-Food Pyramids: What Should You Really Eat?
- Marys Gone Crackers: Improve Your Cracker Choices: Look for Whole Grain First
- Science Daily: Students Invent Healthful Soybean Snack Cracker; 5-16-2000
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