We have a new program! Learn how PersonalPointsTM can help you drop the pounds you want while eating what you love and living your life fully. Learn more
Like the content many people are currently streaming, sometimes quantity is more important than quality. If you can relate, this guide to healthier snacking is for you. Here’s everything you need to snack like you mean it, while sticking to your wellness plan.
General tips for healthier snacking
- Structure your snacking around regular meals whenever possible. Sticking to a normal eating routine means that you’ll be less likely to head into snacking territory feeling hungry. If you end up snacking more than anticipated between meals, you can always make your next meal lighter by eating less and using more ZeroPointTM foods.
- Pour bagged items such as chips and tortilla chips into a smaller bowl and then put the bag away before sitting down to enjoy your snack. You’re less likely to reach for a second helping if it’s in an inconvenient location!
- For maximum satiety, pair a single serving of healthy fat (nut butter, guacamole or cheese) with a large volume of fruits and vegetables.
- Pay attention to texture when you’re snacking. If you like the crunch of potato chips, try snacking on crispy kale chips or roasted chickpeas. If creamy foods are more to your taste, try swapping ice cream for frozen yogourt or a mayo-based dip for one made with Greek yogourt or silken tofu.
- Recognize the type of snacking mood you’re in. On days when you’re feeling particularly peckish and are craving volume more than taste, opt for ZeroPoint fruits and vegetables or air-popped popcorn. If you’re leaning towards a more decadent experience, choose a single serving of your preferred treat — you can always supplement your snack with ZeroPoint foods if you still feel hungry afterwards.
- Is there a planned TV marathon in your future? Try packing yourself a personalized snack box! Fill a container or resealable bag with your favourite treats, choosing a selection of healthy high-volume items and smaller snacks that fall on the richer side.
- To slow down the mindless snacking, make the eating experience a hands-on endeavour. Whenever possible, choose snacks such as whole edamame, pomegranate, pomelo fruit or sunflowers in their shells, all of which require some degree of physical effort before they can be eaten.
Reinvent classic healthy snacks
- Squeeze fresh lime juice onto cut-up fruit and sprinkle with chili powder and a pinch of kosher salt or a commercially prepared dehydrated chili pepper, lime, and salt blend.
- Give your popcorn toppings an upgrade! Experiment with your own healthy toppings or try out this sweet and salty recipe for Nooch and Caramel Popcorn.
- Mix a heaping tablespoon of plain Greek yogourt into a container of store-bought hummus. Top hummus and yogourt mixture with finely diced cucumber, tomato and red onion, fresh herbs and toasted sesame seeds.
- Keep deviled eggs on the lighter side by substituting plain Greek yogourt for the mayonnaise. This single-serving recipe for Deviled Eggs with Capers and Dill is as rich and creamy as the traditional mayo-laden version.
Healthier store-bought snacks for the pantry
- Vegetable or bean chips
- Roasted chickpeas (you can also make your own!)
- Air-popped popcorn
- Salsa
- Applesauce
- Dry cereal (opt for low sugar versions)
- Pretzels