You don’t have to kill your diet by wanting some munchies. A common dieting fear is that you will find your self hungry all the time. Don’t worry, snacking is OK if it is healthy and eaten in moderation. Make your pantry a part of your diet because there are a plethora of healthy foods waiting for you!
Here are snacks for when you are heading for your ... PANTRY.
1. Rice Cakes
These crunchy, delicious snacks are great on-the-go and when you need to satisfy both your sweet or salty tooth. Rice cakes come in a bunch of varieties from white or brown rice, whole-grain rice, wild rice, corn or other grains. Rice cakes (unflavored or low in sodium) are low in calories and low in fat, and they fill you up!
“You can even increase the nutritional value of rice cakes by adding a little something to the top -- a smear of peanut butter to increase the protein value or even some hummus,” said eDiets nutrition expert Pamela Ofstein.
Even flavored rice cakes aren’t too bad for you, so get the right stuff and enjoy.
2. Melba toast with Peanut Butter
This crunchy treat is healthy and delicious. Melba toast is available in healthy whole wheat and a bunch of other flavors. Add a thin layer of peanut butter to the toast for some added protein. The healthiest kind of peanut butter to purchase is all natural peanut butter, usually produced by your local deli (simply ground peanuts) with no added oils or sodium. So spread some on the toast and get crunching.
3. Almonds
Almonds are brain food and they are scrumptious. Studies have shown that in addition to their cholesterol-lowering effects, almonds can reduce the risk of heart disease because they contain an antioxidant known as vitamin E.
“One ounce of almonds contains about 35 precent of the vitamin E your body needs in addition they contain mostly monounsaturated fat, the ‘good fat’,” Pamela said.
Grab a handful and go with this heart healthy snack!
4. Bananas
Who isn’t bananas for bananas? They are creamy and sweet and nutritious as well! They stand as one of the best sources of potassium, which can maintain normal blood pressure and heart function.
"Besides the nutritional value that bananas have, they are the perfect fruit on the go," Pamela said. "No need to prepare them, wash them -- they come in their own wrapper. They are great for adults and kids, too!”
The average banana contains 467mg of potassium and only 1mg of sodium. It’s almost too good to be true! But it’s not. So be sure to load up on bananas next time you hit the grocery store.
5. Prunes
Who knew dried plums could be so good? Don’t be frightened by their less-than-appealing look. They have a sweet, fruity taste and a sticky, chewy texture that is delicious. Well known as a good source of dietary fiber, prunes also have a large amount of potassium that will help promote bone health.
