Good Stuff to Eat for Snacks

Unsalted nuts are a healthy snack option.

Snacking is a healthy part of a diet plan. Many diet professionals recommend consuming several small snacks between meals to keep your blood sugar level and to help you avoid overeating at meals. However, unwise snack choices will quickly derail any good diet plan. Choose snack foods that are healthy and satisfying, and avoid junk food and empty calories when choosing snacks.

Low Calorie and Portion Controlled

When looking for a snack, choose foods that are low in calories and fat; snacking is healthy, but it also leads to weight gain when too many calories are consumed. Snack portions should be small, just enough to keep you satisfied. WebMD recommends choosing snacks that contain 30 percent fat and are low in sugar. Many foods marketed as snack foods are loaded with empty calories, do not provide good nutrition and are not satisfying.

Kid Friendly

Encourage your kids to eat healthy snacks by making them kid friendly. Let your child be the chef, creating a castle with peanut butter and wholegrain crackers. Cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces and provide a sauce for dipping. Pair the sweet snacks your child craves with healthy options; for example, create a trail mix that includes a few of your child's favorite candies mixed with unsalted nuts or plain popcorn.

Creative

For some, snack foods mean a bag of chips, a handful of cookies or a few crackers. Certain foods are designated as snack foods. Being creative about your snack food options is satisfying and will keep money in your pocket. Consider the foods you already have for other meals as snack options, such as a bowl of cold cereal or oatmeal. Enjoying a small portion of the leftovers from last night's dinner will ensure it doesn't end up in the trash at the end of the week.

Satisfying

Snacks should taste good and satisfy hunger. One way to satisfy your stomach is to include protein, fat and carbohydrates in each snack -- this combination will keep you feeling fuller longer. Choose wholegrain carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar level: Try peanut butter with an apple, low-fat cheese with wholegrain crackers or hummus and carrot sticks. Enjoy a small handful of nuts with dried fruit or fat-free pudding.

References

• WebMD; 100 Calorie Snacks; Colette Bouchez; December 1, 2006
• Mayo Clinic; Children's Snacks: 10 Tips for Healthier Snacking; June 15, 2009
• WebMD; The Best Healthy Snacks in Your Supermarket; Elaine Magee; February 19, 2009