Eating healthfully on a restricted diet can seem daunting, but planning ahead can help. The last thing you want is to be hungry and not know what you should eat. Having a variety of snack options on hand means no hunger-induced panic attacks and ensures you can stick to your diet.
Veggies and Dips
One of the simplest healthful snacks is cut-up raw vegetables, and they're packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you find veggies boring, or want a bit more food, try a bean dip. You can use store-bought bean dips or hummus, or make your own by blending a cup of cooked beans with a little water, a clove of garlic and some chili powder or a squeeze of lemon.
Nuts and Seeds
A handful of nuts or seeds -- almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and the like -- are a great snack and very portable because they don't require refrigeration. Nut butters are another healthy option, and make a great dip for veggies such as celery and cucumbers. If your diet allows fruit, you can try apple or pear slices with nut butters, too.
Sushi
While most people think of sushi as a dinner option featuring raw fish, you can make sushi from almost anything. Simply pick up nori wraps in the Asian section of your supermarket and get some short-grain brown sushi rice. Season cooked rice with a dash of rice vinegar and let it cool to room temperature. Lay one sheet of nori on the counter, and spread a thin layer of rice over the bottom third of the sheet. Add thinly cut veggies if you like, and roll up, using a bit of water to seal the seam. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn makes a great snack. Season it with salt-free seasoning blends or a little chili powder if you like. Sea salt and black pepper work well, too. Mist the popcorn with a tiny bit of water to make sure your seasonings stick to the kernels.
Other Ideas
Roll lean deli meats around dill pickles and secure with a toothpick for a fun, crunchy snack. Fresh fruit might be an option for those who are only avoiding processed sugars. A hard-boiled egg and cooked edamame are high-protein snacks.
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