Have you got those mid-afternoon hunger pangs but are on a low-carb diet? You might be struggling with finding something to snack on that fits with your low-carb eating plan but will still satisfy your hunger.
Most of the time we think of snacks in terms of potato chips and crackers, which is why we are often stumped when it comes to thinking of low-carb options; however, these are not the only choices we have when it comes to snacks. If you can widen your definition of snacks to include fruit, vegetables, dairy products, seeds and nuts, then it is not that difficult to find tasty and nutritious low-carb snacks. Here are some delicious and nutritious snacks that are quick and easy-to-make.
Cottage Cheese and Berries
This is a delicious and healthy snack that combines the savory taste of cottage cheese with the juicy sweetness of berries. Simply slice up some fresh strawberries or blueberries and serve them over a scoop of cottage cheese. It tastes best when everything is chilled, so keep your ingredients in the fridge. Berries are low in calories and have plenty of beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and lutein, and cottage cheese is a lean source of protein.
Avocado and Sunflower Seeds
Avocado is a savory snack that offers fantastic health benefits, including healthy fats and vitamins E and K as well as protein. Sprinkling sunflower seeds on top will make the avocado even tastier and will add more healthy nutrients. This healthy snack also delivers fiber and potassium.
Lox With Cream Cheese and Cucumber Slices
Not only is salmon delicious, it’s great for your health as well, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your brain and heart. Pair it with some calcium-rich cream cheese, as these two tastes complement each other perfectly. Most of the time, you might put this snack on whole wheat crackers, but if you want the carb-free version you can use cucumber slices instead.
Spinach Omelet
If you are hungry for a snack, why not whip yourself up a quick spinach omelet? They are easy-to-make and very healthy. Eggs are full of protein as well as vitamin D and iron. The spinach will add fiber without any carbs. You can also use other vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or chard.
Kale Chips
When we crave a snack, a lot of the time we just want the crispy, salty taste of potato chips; however, they have so much sodium and fat that they are not a healthy option. What if you could have all of the tastiness of potato chips but in a much healthier and low-carb version?
To make kale chips, just preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and remove the stalks and ribs from the raw kale. Rinse and dry the leaves and then toss them in a large bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle them with sea salt and ground pepper and then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them for approximately 30 minutes or until they are crisp. Then, let them cool on a wire rack or on paper towels.
Carrots and Hummus
The satisfying crunch of carrots combined with the creamy taste of hummus makes for a perfect snack. Hummus is a Middle-Eastern dip that is made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice. It is packed with protein, and the garlic gives the immune system a great boost. Carrots contain beta carotene and other essential vitamins that will also benefit your health.
These are just a few ideas for healthy low-carb snack options that you can enjoy when you need a little guilt-free nourishment between meals. Why not take some time to experiment with a few different ingredients and see if you can invent your own low-carb snack recipe?
About the Author: Sandra Wilson owns a health-food cafe and recently published a cookbook of her recipes. She also recommends diet to go to help lose weight and manage your diet.
Categories: Diets | Tags: Low-carbohydrate diet, snack | Permalink