Healthy snacks are the key to any health and wellness plan, and snacking can make or break your fitness goals. If you’re trying to control your weight, healthy snacking is encouraged, because eating frequently throughout the day ensures your metabolism stays elevated and prevents extreme hunger at meal times.
I am sure you can recall those times when you have gone quite some time without eating, and then when it comes time to finally eat, you eat too much of the wrong thing! Healthy snacking with help you avoid this crash in blood sugar and extreme hunger pains. It is all about picking the right snacks and getting creative so you don’t get bored with the same ones. A typical snack is smaller than your meal portion, but something that will hold you over and keep your metabolism going.
I suggest that you write a list of some of your favorite healthy foods and then start creating snack ideas from this list. Keep in mind, a snack is NOT a meal and therefore it must be lower in calories, but it should be substantial enough to hold you over until your next meal. Check out these healthy two-ingredient snack ideas that contain fewer than 200 calories each. They have enough substance to hold you over and keep your metabolism going, yet they won’t jeopardize your fitness goals!
1. Two Hard-boiled egg whites with salsa
Simply hard boil two or three eggs, slice them in half, remove the yolk, and fill them with a tablespoon of your favorite salsa. This snack contains fewer than 100 calories and it’s a great source of protein!
2. Half an avocado with one whole egg
Simply cut a small avocado in half. Scoop out some of the flesh and set aside for another dish. Cook an egg and add it to the semi-hallowed out avocado. Eat as is or top off with your favorite hot sauce and enjoy! This snack is under 200 calories and a great source of monounsaturated fats and vitamins from the egg.
3. Almond cheese and strawberry skewer
This is a fun and refreshing snack for anyone in the family! Kids love this simple creation. Cube and set aside 2 ounces of almond cheese. I like to use both mozzarella and cheddar for added taste and color. Use three or four strawberries and add them along with the cubes of cheese to a skewer and enjoy!
This snack is just about 150 calories and a great source of good fats and protein from the almond cheese, and antioxidants and vitamins from the berries. Feel free to add blueberries as well for even more color!
4. Almond Roll-up
Add 1/4 cup almond meal with 2 egg whites. Mix well and pour in pan and allow to cook on medium-low heat for about two to three minutes before flipping and cooking on the other side. Cook until golden brown and remove from heat. Allow to cool and simply roll and enjoy. These are so easy to make and so tasty! Great for on the go quick and easy snacks!
This snack is just about 200 calories and loaded with good fats and just enough protein to keep you full until it’s time for your next meal.
5. Turkey Breast Bell Pepper Roll-ups
Use eight thinly sliced pieces of low-sodium turkey breast (8 slices = about 100 calories). Slice half a red bell pepper lengthwise into strips. Simply place two pieces of turkey down, add strip of bell pepper and roll up. Makes a great satisfying crunchy snack! It’s just slightly more than 100 calories and an excellent source of protein and vitamin C.
I hope these ideas help, and that you find the inspiration to create your own healthy, low-calorie and satisfying snack ideas! Happy snacking!
