Healthy Snacks from A to Z

Apples
"Throw an apple in your bag for a low-calorie snack that's packed with fiber and antioxidants," says nutritionist and iVillage Health Editor-at-Large Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom. Adding a few almonds will help fill you up with healthy fats.

Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with vitamins and have the most antioxidants of any fruits or vegetables. Eat them plain or toss some into your afternoon yogurt for a tasty parfait.




Carrots
Craving a crunchy, savory snack? Try dipping carrots in hummus for a protein (from the chickpeas in the hummus) and vitamin-packed snack.

Dates
"Dates with topped with peanut butter are a fun twist on a PB and J that's iron-rich and full of protein,"says Fernstrom.




Edamame
Craving a salty snack? "Edamame is a great source of protein and crunch," says Fernstrom.

Fudgesicles
Fudgesicles are a low-cal way to get your chocolate fix.



Greek Yogurt
If you want a creamy, decadent snack, buy a non-fat Greek yogurt and drizzle some honey on top and toss in a few hazelnuts. Greek yogurt is low-calorie and high in protein.

Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are rich in flavor, low in saturated fats and high in heart-healthy fats. They make a tasty snack on their own as well.



Iced Tea
Sometimes feeling hungry means you're actually dehydrated. If you're sick of gulping plain water, try an iced tea with a squeeze of lemon for a zero-calorie healthier alternative to soda.


Jocalat
If you're craving a chocolate candy bar, go for a Jocalat bar from Lara. They're high in fiber and protein because they're made from fruit, nuts and chocolate and don't contain any added sugars or sweeteners.




Kashi Bar
Kashi Dark Chocolate and Cherry bars are another healthier alternative to ransacking the vending machine for a candy bar. You can satisfy your chocolate craving for 120 calories.

Luna Bar
Luna Chocolate Peppermint Stick bars remind us a healthier version of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. Full-size Luna bars can be 180 calories. If you're looking for a snack under 100 calories, try Luna Minis.




Mandarin Orange
If you want something juicy, hit up your produce aisle for a healthy portable snack. "Mandarin oranges are a handy, vitamin C-rich snack," says Fernstrom.

Nuts
Experiment with different types of nuts
for snack rich in heart-healthy fats and protein. Fernstrom recommends going for no more than a small handful to keep your portion size in check.




Oatmeal
If you're freezing in your office, warm up with a mid-day snack of instant oatmeal. "Oatmeal's a fiber-rich snack that supports heart health," says
Fernstrom. Toss in some berries and nuts for sweetness and crunch.

Popcorn
It may be loaded with butter and fat at the movies, but when you make it at home, it's a healthy snack. Try a 100-calorie pack of popcorn for a filling, low-cal snack.




Quaker Oats Rice Cake
If you're craving a cookie, try a Quaker Oats rice cake with peanut butter on top for a tasty crunch with a protein boost.

Raspberry Smoothie
Toss a handful of frozen raspberries in the blender with a container of low-fat yogurt for a tangy, rich smoothie.




Sweet Potato
"At just 100 calories for a baseball-sized sweet potato, it's filling snack loaded with beta-carotene and vitamin A," says Fernstrom. Toss a potato in the office microwave for a few minutes, then top with cottage cheese for an afternoon snack.

Tropical Fruit Tart Bar
Tropical Fruit Tart bar from Lara is a tangy, sweet way to get a full serving of fruit. At 210 calories, it's not low-cal, but it's packed with fiber to fill you up.



Udon Noodles
"Mixed with a low-sodium chicken broth, udon noodles are a satisfying winter snack," Fernstrom says.

Vitatop
If you're craving a brownie, try warming up a chocolate Vitatop for an 100-calorie treat packed with protein and fiber.


Whole Wheat Wrap
Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat wrap and roll it up with some banana slices inside for a mini meal on the go. You'll get a serving of fruit and whole grains with some protein for go-power.

Xtreme Fruit
If you're craving sweet or sour candy, try Xtreme Fruit instead. It's a kid's snack under 100 calories made from real fruit and packed with vitamin C.


Yogurt Smoothie
Instead of giving into your milkshake or ice cream craving, make a yogurt smoothie with your favorite fruit, non-fat yogurt, skim milk and ice.

Zucchini BoatsSqueeze in another serving of veggies during the day with nutritionist Ashley Koff's zucchini boats. Scoop out the center of a zucchini and fill with salsa or dip for a low-cal, crunchy snack.


source: www.neversaydiet.com