Snacking is a natural and healthy behavior, but snacking on the wrong foods can lead to unpleasant consequences. There are plenty of delicious snacks that won’t ravage your waistline. There are many low fat snacks that you’ll regret. Here’s the skinny on what is best to snack on when you’re feeling peckish.
Animal Crackers. We all ate them as kids. Such fond memories. Animal crackers are a tasty cookie type snack that are low in fat and sugar. Replace a serving of oreos or similar cookies with animal crackers. You’ll feel indulged. You can eat way more animal crackers and still save much fat over any other average prepackaged serving of cookies. Animal crackers also boast a nice hit of bone healthy calcium.
Edamame. Try snacking on dry roasted soy beans instead of nuts. Soy beans boast more protein and a more complete amino profile than any nuts can. While all nuts are pretty packed with fat, edammame has only a few grams per serving. They have the crunch and texture of an almond or peanut, but contain more nutrition and way less guilt. Edammame is also less expensive than nuts and has far less sodium.
Chocolate Syrup. Yes, it’s full of corn syrup and has virtually no nutritional value. But it is fat free and low in calories compared to many sweet induldgences. Add a spoonful to almond milk, soy milk or even cow’s milk and now you do have several health benefits. If you’re craving a hit of chocolate syrup really is the best option to satisfy your craving. Compared to a typical candy bar it’s positively angelic. Instead of denying yourself and later bingeing, indulge yourself smartly.
Lightly Salted Potato Chips. One serving has on average 10 grams of fat. Provided you actually eat only one serving. One serving of potato chips is fairly generous. About 20 chips, give or take. Sure other salty snacks are lower in fat (pretzels, popcorn) but simple unadulterated potato chips have some nice nutrients to bring to your snack bowl that other choices lack. Vitamins E and C, magnesium, potassium and iron. Choosing lightly salted is good for your body and good for your taste buds. A little salt goes a long way.
Nabisco Classic Oatmeal Cookies. They come in the long skinny red package for about $3.00. They’re big and chewy and a little bit nutritious. Low in fat. Low in sugar compared to most cookies. And wholly satisfying.
Graham Crackers. Who doesn’t have fond memories associated with graham crackers? These crispy treats don’t need marshmallow and chocolate. Very low sugar and low fat. Great taste. They’re great all on their own. Just dunk in coffee or milk.
Italian Ices. Far superior to fat and sugar laden ice cream. Italian ices cost less at the market and boast a much sweeter experience. They’re mostly corn syrup, but entirely fat free. In the warm weather they are a succulent and frosty indulgence that carries with it virtually no guilt.
Sources:
http://www.fritolay.com/our-snacks/lays-lightly-salted.html
http://www.nabiscoworld.com/Brands/ProductInformation.aspx?BrandKey=classics&Site=1&Product=4400002293
http://www.nabiscoworld.com/Brands/ProductInformation.aspx?BrandKey=barnums&Site=1&Product=4400000379
http://www.nabiscoworld.com/Brands/ProductInformation.aspx?BrandKey=honeymaid&Site=1&Product=4400000457
http://www.hersheys.com/pure-products/hersheys-syrup/chocolate.aspx
http://www.seapointfarms.com/images/products/product_back/Lightly%20Salted%20back.jpg
http://www.luigis.com/nutritional.aspx?productid=1005
Personal supermarket research I’ve conducted at Pathmark, A&P and ShopRite of Brick NJ.