Try These 10 Low-Carb Snacks for Your Next Snack Attack
This article was posted on HAP’s Balanced Living blog. Read more here.
Hungry? While it’s easy to pick up a pre-packaged snack from the vending machine, it probably won’t provide you with the right kind of nutrition to fuel you until your next meal. A great snack offers a balance of nutrients that supply energy: carbohydrates, fat and protein. That combination will not only help you feel full, but it’ll also help keep your blood sugar in check.
The next time you’re craving a snack, resist the temptation to grab that candy bar and instead try one of these lower-carb snack ideas.
- Cottage Cheese, Pears/Peaches and Walnuts
Top 1/2 cup 2 percent cottage cheese with 1/2 cup canned, diced pears (or peaches) packed in 100 percent juice, and 4 chopped walnut halves. - Guacamole with Bell Pepper Dippers
Enjoy 1/4 cup guacamole topped with 1 teaspoon salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Serve with 1 cup sliced bell peppers. - Lime and Parmesan Popcorn
Place 2 cups of freshly popped, air-popped popcorn in a bowl. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray then add the zest of half a lime (about 1 teaspoon), a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese and a dash of chili powder. Stir thoroughly to mix. - Classic Apple and Peanut Butter
Slice one apple and top with 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter or other nut/seed butter of your choice. - Hard-Boiled Egg and Sriracha on a Pepper Boat
Slice 1 hard-boiled egg into quarters and season to taste with salt and pepper. Core a red bell pepper and cut into four planks. Place eggs on planks and drizzle with sriracha or other hot sauce. - Avocado Hummus and Veggies
Mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado and mix in 2 tablespoons hummus. Serve with 1 cup baby carrots (or other veggie of your choice) for dipping. - Celery Sticks, Ricotta and Seeds
Spread 3 tablespoons whole milk ricotta among four celery stalks. Sprinkle tops with 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds. - Bean and Salsa Lettuce Wraps
Spread 2 tablespoons canned black beans, drained and rinsed, down the center of two large lettuce leaves (Bibb or Romaine lettuce work well), top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with a drizzle of salsa. Wrap up and enjoy. - Yogurt, Almond Butter and Berries
Place 1/2 cup plain, low-fat yogurt in a small bowl. Top with 1/4 cup mixed berries (unsweetened, frozen or fresh), then drizzle with 1 tablespoon almond butter. - Zesty Zoodles, Feta and Walnuts
Prepare 2-1/2 ounces of zucchini “noodles” then toss with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette salad dressing, 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts and 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, if desired.