5 Healthy Snacks to Get You Through the Holidays
The holidays are quickly approaching and we can already feel the excitement in the air! However, as much as we love this time of year, it can be downright exhausting, between rushing around to buy gifts and preparing for holiday parties. And if you choose sugary snacks--we're looking at you, peppermint bark and pumpkin pie--you’ll find yourself crashing well before the big day. On the other hand, snacks that contain protein and fiber, as well as quality, energy-revving carbohydrates, give you the pep you need to power right through the festivities. Plus, you can kiss that Santa-like belly goodbye--these snacks are all under 200 calories!
1. Low-fat Cheese and Tomato Toast: When it’s cold outside, this is the perfect, energizing snack. Our mom made this frequently when we were growing up. Simply take a slice of whole wheat bread (it's filled with fiber and contains energy-providing carbohydrates) and top it with a slice of tomato and a slice of low-fat mozzarella for satisfying protein and bone-building calcium. Pop it in a toaster oven for a warm, satisfying snack.
2. Pistachios: Whether you’re shopping for gifts at the mall or in the comfort of your own home, pistachios are the perfect snack, since they’re packed with the winning combination of both fiber and protein. Plus, they’re portable!
3. Red Peppers and Black Bean Dip: Red peppers are a staple in our house. They come loaded not only with antioxidants, but with fiber too. They’ll give you a quick burst of energy while the bean dip will extend that energy boost with fiber and protein. We also love combining red peppers hummus or low-fat yogurt dip, both of which contain protein to fuel you and fill you up.
4. Whey Chocolate Covered Popcorn: Make a small bag of fat-free popcorn and add one scoop of chocolate protein powder. Shake until the powder covers the popcorn. We love this snack because it instantly quells our sweet tooth craving as well as our desire to crunch. The popcorn is naturally packed with energy-providing carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants, and the protein powder has staying power.
5. Non-fat Greek Yogurt with Apples and Cinnamon: We like to cut an apple into little chunks and stir them right into the yogurt and add a dash of cinnamon, but you can also use the yogurt and cinnamon as a dip for the apples. Both options give you a surge from the apple’s fiber-packed carbohydrates, and the creamy, satisfying, protein-filled yogurt will prevent energy crashes.
What is your favorite snack to help you get through the holidays?
—Tammy Lakatos Shames and Elysse “Lyssie” Lakatos—otherwise known as the Nutrition Twins—are registered dietitians, certified personal trainers and authors of The Secret To Skinny: How Salt Makes You Fat. They will be blogging about healthy eating and weight loss for Fitbie every week.
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