Healthy snacks for dieters
Dieting isn't easy at the best of times and all too often it's the snacking that lets us down. But eating little and often can help you to shed those pounds by keeping you satisfied, just so long as you stick to healthy treats. Here are a few ideas to help you keep the cravings at bay.
Pic: Corbis
Frozen goodies
We all know that fresh fruit and vegetables are good for us, but if you just can't face another celery stick, why not make snack time more interesting with a frozen alternative? Frozen peas and sweetcorn are high in fibre but low in calories - just 55 calories in an 85g serving of peas, and 100 calories for sweetcorn - and retain all their natural goodness and flavour when frozen.
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The same can be said for frozen berries, which are available in packets from supermarkets, or try freezing your own grapes or cherries. These melt-in-the-mouth treats give you a different experience than a boring old carrot stick - just make sure you reach past the Haagen-Dasz.
Yummy yoghurt
These days there are rows and rows of low-calorie or no-calorie yoghurts in the supermarket aisles. A fabulous source of calcium without the fat of some cheeses means you can indulge your sweet craving with mixed-in fruit or oatmeal. The kind folks at Muller have even provided us with a fat-free Greek-style yoghurt, giving you a more sumptuous snack without the guilt.
Apple snacks
Just as you can change up your fruit and veg snacks by freezing them, the humble apple can be quickly and easily dressed up to make a tasty salad. Try chopping your Coxes into pieces and adding lettuce, chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup for a simple salad, or adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or low-fat cheese to your apple slices for a more satisfying alternative.
One-pot wonder
Porridge doesn't have to be just for breakfast. There are more and more one-pot porridge wonders on the supermarket shelves, from own brands to big brands, and that means you only need a kettle to enjoy it as a snack. They come in a variety of flavours to keep things interesting, and contain all that slow-releasing oaty energy. A 50g pot of Quaker's Oat So Simple original flavour contains just 190 calories, and it'll happily keep you going until your next meal.
Pack a popcorn punch
Sadly that giant-sized bag of toffee popcorn at the cinema won't really cut it. But without all the butter, a bowl of simply salted popcorn amounts to just 100 calories and, as a wholegrain packed with fibre, it will keep your cravings at bay.
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Eggscellent choice
The average medium sized hard-boiled egg contains just 81 calories and, since they are an excellent source of iron and protein, they're high on the list of nutritious foods. For a quick and filling snack, mix a chopped boiled egg with a teaspoon of low-fat mayo and enjoy on a wholewheat cracker or rice cake to keep your hunger low and your energy high.
Have you found the perfect snack for dieting? Let us know below...
