When on a diet, you are likely to find yourself reaching for a snack to help stave off hunger. But snacking on a chocolate bar when you are eating healthy will undo your diet progress throughout the day. Instead, look for good diet snacks that have it all; protein, fiber and a low-calorie count. Through choosing sensible diet snacks, you can keep your stomach full throughout the day and still lose weight.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are an ideal on-the-go diet snack. Packed with heart healthy Omega-three fatty acids and plenty of protein, they are easily stashed in your bag or desk. One handful of nuts, like almonds, is a scant 150 calories, notes The George Mateljan Foundation for The World's Healthiest Foods. Nuts and seeds also help stop hunger, with a satisfying crunch and fiber to keep you feeling full.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are nature's perfect diet snack. Each fruit, like an apple, orange or handful of berries is just the right size for a snack. Eat alone or with fat free whipped topping for a diet snack that seems decadent. Vegetables can be cut up and served with hummus for extra flavor. Cut up fruits and vegetables and store in air-tight containers in your fridge for quick, no-fuss snacks all day long.
Crackers
Whole grain crackers are an ideal afternoon snack. Filled with whole grains, fiber and complex carbohydrates, whole wheat crackers will fill you up without filling you out, say the experts at the Mayo Clinic. If you don't like to eat them alone, try adding a dab of natural peanut butter or sugar-free jam to the top for extra flavor, without a lot of extra calories to keep your diet on track.
Yogurt and Cheese
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends dairy products as ideal snack ideas. A stick of low fat string cheese is only 80 calories, and a cup of yogurt often has less than 60 calories. Remember to check the labels of your favorite brand, and choose snacks that are 150 calories or less. Yogurt comes in enough flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth, so you won't get bored with the same snack over and over again.
Popcorn
Some dieters want a snack that feels fattening, even if it isn't. Drag out your old-fashioned popcorn maker and air-pop a cup of popcorn. According to Diet Bites, air popped popcorn is less than 25 calories per cup. If you want the buttery variety, try a low calorie butter spray. Or, try fancying up your popcorn with herbs from your spice rack; garlic and oregano make a savory treat.
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