We are all trying to make healthier choices when we prepare meals for ourselves and for our loved ones. With all of the information we now have available to us, it has become easier than ever before. Sometimes the problem is not the tasty meal options, but giving in to cravings between meals that can be not so healthy. There are options that will not only satisfy your cravings, but that are also healthy alternatives to giving in to those hankerings that can ruin your whole diet for the day. This does not mean that you will feel at all deprived of anything – chocolate anyone?
Chocolate – That’s right! When you have a craving for chocolate, by all means indulge. Just be sure that it is dark chocolate made with at least 70% cocoa. Cocoa is packed full of antioxidants and lowers cholesterol, which makes it a heart healthy snack, and it also is great for slowing down digestion that keeps you feeling full.
Greek Yogurt – All the rage now, and available everywhere, Greek yogurt is plain yogurt that has been strained to remove the whey. This gives the yogurt a creamy, filling texture that is packed with protein, which keeps you full.
Oatmeal – Many people turn their noses up to oatmeal, but it can be a super filling snack. Go wild with flavorings to make it more appetizing. Adding berries, a little honey, some nuts, or some coconut milk to make oatmeal a real treat.
Pickles –Sometimes we are not in the mood for something sweet, and instead want a salty, savory snack. Pickles are great to satisfy this craving because they suppress your appetite. One large dill pickle only packs 16 calories. Just be aware of additives, like sugar. Also, the downer is that pickles are high in sodium, so do try to pick up the low sodium variety at the supermarket.
Water – Water does not sound like a very good snack, but the point of it being on the list is the fact that when we are hungry it can simply be because you are dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, you get super hungry. Next time you feel hungry for a snack, reach for a bottle of water before grabbing something to eat to see if that will satisfy the feeling.
Eggs – Protein is an appetite suppressant food. Whether you eat the whole egg or prefer to eat only the egg whites, you are getting protein that will greatly suppress hunger. Have a boiled egg or an egg scrambled with a little olive oil and some vegetables.
Tweet This Post