Thursday, March 1, 2012

Answer Me This: Skinny Snacks


The healthiest options when hunger strikes


Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks
Dear Beautyqueen,
I’m always starving late afternoon and again late at night but I’m sick of all my healthy snack choices. Hummus and carrots are great but I’m getting tired of them! Any suggestions?
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn,
I am a bit of a snack monster myself and I’ve been known to scoop up hummus faster than Pauly D scoops up hair gel.
Just like shoes, bags, and hairstyles, we need snack variety to keep us satisfied. But before you reach for that Snickers (their tagline is so deceiving, isn’t it?) check out my fave new skinny snacks that will keep all your cravings at bay!
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Kale ChipsKale Chips: I am so obsessed with kale. It’s tasty and just really healthy. My fave snack secret is making kale chips at home. It’s super simple — just tear up a head of kale, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 and voilà — you have crispy, crunchy perfection! If you don’t wanna make them you can always buy them at T.J.’s or Whole Foods.
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Celery with Cream CheeseCelery and Light Cream Cheese: This is a fun deviation from hummus that always brings me back to being a little kid. I love the crunch from the celery and the light cream cheese adds protein. Use light veggie or scallion cream cheese for extra flavor.
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Lydia's BarsLydia’s Bars: My new fave, must-have bars — I carry one with me everywhere! The super delish bars are made with all raw, organic, vegan ingredients so you can always feel good about what you are putting into your body. I love the lemon ginger and tropical flavors.
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Berry ParfaitBerry Parfait: So simple but so good. Simply take low-fat yogurt (I am still all about the Greek Fage) and layer with a variety of berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries — anything you want. A perfect breakfast or late night sweet treat.
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Roasted Pumpkin SeedsRoasted Pumpkin Seeds: Just because Thanksgiving has passed does not mean you should pass on pumpkin seeds. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, put these babies in a Ziploc and take them on the road.
Skinny, Healthy, Low-Calorie Snacks: Hard-Boiled EggsHard-Boiled Egg: Protein is a great way to fight hunger and hard-boiled eggs are a perfect source. Some trainers I know recommend buying a carton of eggs at the beginning of the week, hard-boiling them up, and keeping them in the carton to use as a snack throughout the week. You could do one whole egg and one egg white per snack. 
xx, Beautyqueen

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