Too much sugar in your diet can lead to a host of health problems, including weight gain, heart disease and dental issues, such as cavities. The increased calorie content of sugary foods makes you more prone to obesity, which puts you at risk for more health concerns, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. Men should consume no more than 9 tsp. of sugar a day, while women should consume 6 tsp. or less a day, according to the American Heart Association. Avoid serious health complications by choosing nutritious foods low in sugar when snacking between meals.
Vegetables
Most vegetables are low in calories and sugar and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Snack on carrot sticks, raw broccoli and cauliflower dipped in non-fat dressing. Choose a colorful variety of veggies to ensure a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals, such as red, yellow and green peppers, cherry tomatoes and celery. Top a celery stick with low-fat, reduced-sugar peanut butter for a healthy snack with extra protein.
Nuts and Seeds
Reach for mixed, low-salt nuts to curb your hunger between meals. Many nuts and seeds are high in fiber to keep you full longer and aid in digestive health. Choose almonds, pistachios, pecans or sunflower seed kernels for a boost in dietary fiber, according to MayoClinic.com.
Fruit
If you have a sweet tooth that only sugar will cure, opt for foods with natural sugar, such as fresh fruit. However, avoid canned fruits that may be packed in high-sugar syrups. Choose raw fruit fresh from the produce section to receive maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals. Try apples, pears, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, oranges, nectarines, kiwi and mangoes for a wide variety of sweet, but healthy, options.
Other Snacks
Many sweet-tasting snacks are sugar free, such as certain varieties of gelatin and pudding. Or try a bowl of low-sugar oatmeal topped with fresh fruit or slivers of almonds. Popcorn makes a filling snack that is available in low-fat and low-salt varieties. Stock up on healthy, low-sugar, low-calorie snacks to avoid filling up on sugary foods devoid of vitamins and minerals.
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