Tuesday 13 May 2014

Healthy Snacking | Healthy Substitutes for Snacks

Who doesn’t crave for a snack on a lazy afternoon? Well, most people do regardless of whether they are feeling hungry or just plain bored and need to keep their mouth moving to relieve boredom. Well, if you are one of those people who just love to snack and can’t get enough of food, here are some healthier snacking alternatives you can turn to to satisfy that craving of yours!

Veggies for pita (as a dipping tool)
Fresh veggies work wonders with hummus and contain both fewer carbs and more vitamins.

Cauliflower puree for egg yolks (in deviled eggs)
For that devilish Southern favorite — deviled eggs — try replacing half the yolks in the filling with cauliflower puree. The taste remains the same, as does the texture, but without the extra dose of cholesterol.

Quinoa for oatmeal
Cooked with milk (and some cinnamon, quinoa makes a perfect protein-packed hot breakfast.

Edamame hummus for regular hummus
While hummus might look innocent from the sidelines, it contains more than 50 calories in two tablespoons. That’s why switching to an edamame-based hummus can help reduce the danger while still providing a delicious dip.

Kale chips for potato chips
Who would’ve guessed that a leafy green could make such delicious chips? When lightly tossed in olive oil and some seasoning (salt and pepper, paprika, or chili powder work well) and baked, these curly greens turn into a delightfully delicate crunchy snack with less fat than the classic fried potato chip.

Dark chocolate for M&Ms (in trail mixes)
Most trail mixes are packed with sugar-filled, candy-coated chocolate and dried fruit. Instead, make your own trail mix with unsalted nuts and dark chocolate bits (lower in sugar), which are high in free-radical-fighting flavonoids — a benefit that completely outweighs that candy-coated sweetness.

Popcorn for potato chips
Lower in calories and fat, natural popcorn without pre-flavored seasonings is a great snack alternative to replace those oily, super-salty potato chips. Try made-at-home flavors by adding cinnamon, chili powder, or Parmesan.

Steel-cut oatmeal for instant oatmeal
Steel cut oats are diced whole grains that maintain more of their fiber-rich shell. Rich in B vitamins, calcium, and protein, steel-cut oats also lack the added sugar that often comes with instant varieties.

Banana ice cream for ice cream
No milk, no cream, no sugar… but the same, delicious consistency. It’s simple: freeze bananas, then puree.

Sweet potato fries for French fries
Opting for sweet potatoes rather than the traditional white adds an extra dose of fiber, and vitamins A, C, and B6. Plus, it cuts out roughly 20 grams of carbohydrates per one-cup serving. Just don't overdo it!

Frozen Yogurt for Ice Cream
Picking frozen yogurt over ice cream can help cut down fat content!

Eat healthy and right to see a different you! Healthy food can be yummy too :)

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