It’s mid-day, and while you may have filled up on carbs and calories two hours ago when it was lunch time, you’re still hit with it: the hunger pain. It’s too early for another full meal, but you don’t feel like you’ll be able to get through the rest of the day without devouring your own arm. This exact predicament is precisely why snack time was invented, and we’ve got a list of eight nummy snacks guaranteed to help you fight off hunger!
Number Eight: Pretzel sticks. The best way to satisfy your craving for something salty, pretzel sticks are a great alternative to potato chips. They’re baked, have virtually no fat, and you can eat about a hundred of them before you break the two-hundred calorie mark.
Number Seven: Oatmeal. The best of the breakfast food bunch, Oatmeal is high in fiber and protein, so it’s a great food to start your day off with. Of course, oatmeal on its own can be pretty bland, so feel free to jazz it up with some fresh fruit, butter, or a couple spoonfuls of brown sugar.
Number Six: Fruit Smoothies. Fruit is a brilliant way to give your body the natural sugar it needs, so what’s better than taking multiple fruits and blending them all up together into a snack you can drink? Add to that the fact that smoothies themselves are incredibly filling, and you’ve got a beautiful, health conscious, combination. Try pineapple with coconut and a banana for a smooth, virgin piña colada. Or, blend together all your favorite berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. – and some yogurt.
Number Five: Almonds. Crunchy and nutty, almonds are one of the healthiest nuts out there. They’re a great way to keep your calorie count down, but they pack enough protein to keep you running for several hours on a just a single cup. My recommendation is to keep your almonds raw; not only are they more flavorful this way, but they also maintain more of their natural nutrients. Roasting cooks off the good stuff.
Number Four: Frozen Peas. Your mom always told you to eat your peas, but never quite like this. Frozen peas have all the fulfilling benefits of regular peas – because hey, they are just colder – and they’re packed with fiber, protein, and a whole host of vitamins. And while you could just cook your peas like normal, it’s a lot more fun to pop these frozen suckers in your mouth and chew them, or simply let them melt on your tongue.
Number Three: Popcorn. Not just for the movies, popcorn is great at fighting off hunger, and it gives you a terrific boost of energy! For a more health conscious snack, skip the butter and add a pinch of salt. Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, pop those kernels up with a touch of sugar to achieve that classic kettle corn taste!
Number Two: Peanut Butter. There’s a reason your mother always made you “Ants on a Log” – remember, that snack you had in preschool that consisted of a celery stick smothered in peanut butter with little raisins on it? Peanut butter is a tasty and versatile way of eating protein, which also means it’s guaranteed to give you a good burst of energy. Have it on toast, dip apple slices in it, or just give it the good old college try and eat it straight out of a jar with a spoon!
Number One: Clementines. Whether you call them “Halos” or “Cuties,” clementines are a great snack if you’re looking for something juicy and sweet. To answer the question we’ve all been asking: yes, they are a variety of mandarin orange, but more than that, they’re also low in calories. Each individual clementine has less than fifty calories! Feel free to grab three on your way out the door and save them for a midday snack.
