Healthful Snacking, Revisited
Back in August, LearnVest put out a search for healthy snack ideas, and readers responded. The feedback and suggestions were great; I especially love the one about mixing a can of tuna with a ripe avocado and serving it on Wasa crackers.
Here are additional budget-conscious ideas for healthful snacking:
1. Trade Chips For Nuts
Nuts get a bad rap because of the misconception that they are expensive and high in fat. Though they may be expensive per pound ($6 for walnuts, $9 for pecans), a 1½-oz serving will fill you up, unlike three servings of chips. Remember, there are good fats and bad fats. Nuts are a source of good fat.
2. Opt For Fruit Plus A Protein
Fruit was a huge focus in the LearnVest reader poll. I always say that pairing a fruit with a protein is a fierce combination. Eating just fruit will create the “Chinese food effect”: You may be satisfied after you eat that banana, but you’ll be hungry an hour later. Add a handful of peanuts to the banana, though, and you’ll go for hours on about $0.65.
3. Stock Quick Snacks At Home
Keep healthy snacks on hand. I store carrots and celery sticks in water in the fridge as crunchy snacks. I often make a “quick hummus” to liven up the vegetables. Pre-dinner, I nibble on low-calorie quick pickles to take the edge off of my hunger to prevent the temptation to overeat at dinner. Finally, I always have a couple of hard boiled eggs in the fridge, as they come in handy for a power-packed snack or a quick meal.
4. Make Snacks From “Scraps”
It’s fun to make something from nothing, and often my fridge has lots of bits and bites floating around. I usually have some sort of pesto in the fridge, as well as the requisite roasted peppers and ends of cheese. Just last night I made the best snack of the season by toasting a couple thin slices of day-old bastone (a seeded Italian bread, thicker than a French baguette) and topping them with pesto and the last bites of fresh mozzarella. Another great combination: hummus and roasted peppers. Healthy snacking is a mindset, so get creative and feel strong!
For some healthy snack recipes, click through our slide show!
