[CyberTOPS] 5 Healthy, Convenient Snacks to Keep You Satisfied

[Linda A. Trahan]

 5 Healthy, Convenient Snacks to Keep You Satisfied
February 18, 2009 | by Brett Blumenthal | 4 Comments
By Brett Blumenthal
You may have heard that eating four to six smaller meals in one day may be a
healthier way of eating. Experts say that it may keep your metabolism up and
prevent huge hunger swings throughout the day.
This philosophy may sound great in theory, but when it comes to practice,
many argue that it is a challengeand rightfully so. Coming up with 4  6
small meals in one day sure sounds like a lot more work than preparing three
bigger meals. The truth is, however, it doesnt have to be.  All it takes is
some planning.
Assuming you have the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner meals covered,
here are six ideas for healthy snacks that you can enjoy that are
well-balanced (incorporating all three macro-nutrients: carbs, protein and
fat), full of fiber and healthy nutrients to keep you energized and your
metabolism in high gear all day long.
Baby Carrots and Hummus: Carrots are loaded with Vitamins A, B6 and E and
fiber.  Hummus is a great source of protein and healthy fats.  Keep a tub of
hummus and a bag of carrots at work for a great afternoon snack.  Serving
Size = 1 cup carrots and 1/3 cup hummus
Whole Grain/Multi Grain Toast and Low-Fat Cheese: Whole Grain or Multi-Grain
bread is packed with nutrients and fiber.  The Low-Fat Cheese gives you the
protein youll need to keep you satiated.  Serving Size = 2 slice of
multi-grain bread and 2 slices low-fat Swiss cheese
All Natural Peanut Butter and an Apple: When I say Peanut Butter, I mean the
all-natural kind that is made purely from peanuts.  If a peanut butter has
sugar in it and other ingredients or preservatives, it isnt all natural.
The apple provides you with all the sweetness you need, so getting added
sugar in the peanut butter is unnecessary.  Serving Size = 1 large apple
(with skin) and 1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
Plain Yogurt, Berries and Granola or Oats: This is one of my favorite
second breakfast snacks.  It is loaded with fiber and antioxidants, plus
will give you some healthy protein.  Serving Size = 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup
yogurt and 1/2 cup berries
Almonds and raisins: Almond and raisins are FULL of vitamins and minerals
and provide you with great anti-aging benefits, not to mention fiber and
healthy fats.  Serving Size = 11 almonds and 1/4 cup raisins
Nutrition Bars: Although Im a proponent of eating whole foods as much as
possible, there are a lot of healthier snack bars out on the market. Some to
consider trying are Kashi Crunch and Roll Bars. Also Odwalla and Balance
Bare bars. Most of these are between 150  250 calories each and provide you
with a healthy and satisfying ratio of carbohydrates, fat and protein.
Serving size = 1 Bar
Eating throughout the day can be easy.  Lay in all of the above to switch it
up day to day!  Do you have any favorite healthy snacks?  Any youd like to
share?  Have you had any of the above?