Yummy, healthy, low-calorie snacks

It’s pouring cats and dogs outside, the streets are flooded, and the traffic is at a snail’s pace. If you don’t have an SUV (sports utility vehicle), you run the risk of water entering your car or, worse case scenario, getting stuck in a deep pot hole that your driver could not avoid as he did not see it.   The smart thing to do on a day like this is to stay home and finally enjoy your pirated DVD collection that you have had no time to watch till now. 

The thing about watching films in your home theater on a cool rainy day is controlling the “munchies.” There is that constant urge to munch on something, a feeling of virtually being in a movie theater with a bag of popcorn on one hand, a drink on the other, and a chocolate bar in the handbag to satisfy the sweet tooth. Old habits never die, neither do they fade away so let us be prudent in choosing the snacks that will not add more inches to our girth. Here are some snacks that hit the mark on or below the l00-calorie count. And the good news is, they are tasty, healthy, and filling as well:

• Six cups of popcorn (100 calories). When you want a large snack with a low-calorie count, popcorn delivers.  Some microwave brands have just 100 calories in six cups. It’s also high in fiber, which helps you stay full longer.

• Mini quesadillas (100 calories and 1.3 g. of saturated fat). Sprinkle an ounce of grated low-fat cheddar cheese over a corn tortilla.

• Cottage cheese and cantaloupe (100 calories). Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, with 1/2 cup delivering 14 g. of protein. Like fiber, protein can help you stay full longer.

• Fourteen almonds (98 calories). When the craving for the munchies strikes while you’re on the go, nuts are convenient to nibble on.  Almonds are rich in protein and fiber.

• Three whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese (98 calories). The fiber of the crackers will keep you full and the cheese provides the calcium and the protein.

Stuffed pita with low-fat ricotta and FroYo Sandwich

• Baked apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top (95 calories).  Apples are still one of the healthiest snacks around and baking it gives it that dessert look and taste.  This snack is rich in vitamins and fiber.

• Cheese-stuffed pita pocket (94 calories). Easy to make and gives one the satisfaction of biting into a sandwich. Get a whole-grain pita pocket and stuff it with 1/2 ounce low-fat ricotta cheese. It’s a fiber and protein-filled snack.

• 1/3 cup edamame (92 calories). These young soybeans are among the healthiest snacks you can find. A third of a cup has more than 8 g. of protein and 4 g. of fiber. As a bonus, you get nearly 10 percent of your recommended daily allowance of iron.

• Eight baby carrots with hummus (90 calories). When you’re craving a satisfying crunch, dip 8 large baby carrots into 2 tablespoons of hummus. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene, while hummus (mashed garbanzos) adds protein.

• Half a baked potato with salsa (84 calories). Microwave a baked potato with the skin on. It is loaded with vitamin C, not with calories.  Spread a tablespoon of salsa on top to spice it up.  Yummy, and low in calories!

• Frozen yogurt sandwich (84 calories). This is one of my favorite snacks. Low-fat frozen yogurts are now sold in many malls  (Golden Spoon, BTIC, etc.). Put two tablespoons of non-fat frozen yogurt between two graham crackers squares. Even with flavored yogurt (chocolate or coffee, etc.), you are only looking at 84 calories.

• Twenty pistachios (80 calories).  The fat in pistachio nuts is unsaturated or good fat. Twenty pieces have less than 1 g. of fat, are rich in protein, fiber, and several key vitamins and minerals. Eat them salt-free, dry roasted or raw.

Carrots with hummus and Pin wheel salmon

• Smoked salmon pinwheel (55 calories). Spread one tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese onto a slice of smoked salmon and roll it up.  This pinwheel is rich in heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids, and protein.

• One cup tomato soup without cream (74 calories). Tomato soup is full of disease-fighting nutrients, has no cholesterol, and has less than 1 gram of saturated fat. 

• One cup grapes (62 calories). Grapes are loaded with water, which helps provide a feeling of fullness and keeps you hydrated. Grapes are a good source of vitamin K, manganese, and fiber to boot.

With all these choices of yummy, low-calorie snacks, your munchies are guaranteed to satisfy. Happy snacking!

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These healthy snacks have been reviewed by Louise Chang, MD. Visit my blog: www.mayennesworld.com.