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How do I Choose the Best Diet Snacks?

Kasey James
Kasey James

When you're trying to choose the best diet snacks, you should think about your diet goals first. If your goal is to lose weight, then the best snacks may be those that are high in fiber and low in calories and fat. If you are trying to build muscle, you may want to choose snack foods that are high in protein. Healthy diet snacks are those that have a good balance of vitamins and fat that your body needs. Diabetics may have to choose specific snacks that help to control blood sugar.

The best diet snacks for weight loss include fruits and vegetables of any kind. Some fruits that are low in calories, but very filling, include apples, oranges, and grapes. Eating raw vegetables can be very helpful for between-meal snacking. Celery, carrots, and cauliflower all are low in calories but have a good amount of fiber. Raw vegetables can be made even tastier by dipping them into a low-calorie salad dressing.

Cauliflower is a healthy snack.
Cauliflower is a healthy snack.

Many food companies are packaging their snack foods into individual serving sizes. These foods can be just the right amount of calories to satisfy your hunger without making you feel too full. Yogurt, crackers, and cheese all come in individual packages that are around 100 calories (.42 kilojoules) each. Diet snacks of this sort can be great for snacking on the go or throwing into a lunch box when you don't have a lot of time.

Yogurt is a good diet snack because it is low in calories and fat, but high in protein.
Yogurt is a good diet snack because it is low in calories and fat, but high in protein.

Protein is essential for everyone but especially for those who are working out and gaining muscle. Some diet snacks that are high in protein are peanut butter, cottage cheese, and beef jerky. There are also many protein supplements that can be a tasty snack such as protein shakes and protein bars. These supplements can be found at grocery stores, but there may be a better selection at a health food store.

Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.

If you are maintaining a healthy diet, then the best snacks are natural foods that do not contain preservatives. This includes vegetables and fruits but also natural milk products and whole-wheat products. You can also include beverages in your snacking. The best drink may be water, but teas and other no-calorie drinks can help curb hunger and provide you with the fluids your body needs.

Sliced bell peppers are a low calorie snack and they help to satisfy the need for crunchy foods.
Sliced bell peppers are a low calorie snack and they help to satisfy the need for crunchy foods.

People with diabetes should eat healthy like everyone else, but they also have to manage their blood sugar by eating the right diet snacks. Some of the best snacks for diabetics are ones that have the right amount of carbohydrates without excess sugar. Some of those snacks may include fruits, popcorn, and tortilla chips with hummus. If you're a diabetic, it is important to get a snack list from your doctor.

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    • Cauliflower is a healthy snack.
      By: ExQuisine
      Cauliflower is a healthy snack.
    • Yogurt is a good diet snack because it is low in calories and fat, but high in protein.
      By: angelo.gi
      Yogurt is a good diet snack because it is low in calories and fat, but high in protein.
    • Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
      By: kalumander
      Apples are one of the healthiest snacks.
    • Sliced bell peppers are a low calorie snack and they help to satisfy the need for crunchy foods.
      By: valery121283
      Sliced bell peppers are a low calorie snack and they help to satisfy the need for crunchy foods.
    • Low sodium crackers are good for people on a diet.
      By: suksao
      Low sodium crackers are good for people on a diet.
    • Air popped popcorn with no added butter or salt is a healthy snack for those on a diet.
      By: Przemyslaw Sitek
      Air popped popcorn with no added butter or salt is a healthy snack for those on a diet.
    • Drinking lots of water can help people trying to lose weight.
      By: alexlukin
      Drinking lots of water can help people trying to lose weight.
    • Fresh fruits, oatmeal, and other fiber-rich foods that create a satiated feeling may help people avoid unhealthy snacks.
      By: kentoh
      Fresh fruits, oatmeal, and other fiber-rich foods that create a satiated feeling may help people avoid unhealthy snacks.
    • Piquant tomato salsa is a perfect accompaniment to low-carb tortilla chips.
      By: JJAVA
      Piquant tomato salsa is a perfect accompaniment to low-carb tortilla chips.