4 Smarter Snacks for Killer Cravings

When it comes to weight loss or healthy eating, snacking can be a double-edged sword: Essential to balance blood sugar and boost energy between meals, it’s often too easy to overdo it with unhealthy choices or super-sized portions. Since the office candy bowl is about 15 feet away from my office, I was happy to find the following smart tips in our sister publication, Best Health, and share them with you. (It's easy to whip up these super-simple recipes at home and pack them for work the next day).

If you crave: Sweet snacks, like candy bars and doughnuts

We’re hardwired to love sugary treats, but added table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can pad your waistline, sap your brainpower, and boost levels of unhealthy inflammation throughout your body.

Instead, snack on: “Banana cream pie”

Spread graham crackers with vanilla fat-free Greek yogurt, then top with a handful of banana slices and a sprinkle of ground flaxseed.The fiber and protein will keep you fuller, longer.

If you crave: Crunchy snacks, like nachos or crackers made with white flour

Avoid picks that are calorie-dense and nutrient-poor, which your body digests quickly, leaving you ravenous soon after.

Instead, snack on: Easy salsa

You don't have to settle for boring carrots and celery sticks to get your crunch on. Chop up tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, beans, and onions in a mini food processor, then scoop on melba toast.

If you crave: Salty snacks, like potato chips and pretzels

Check the back of the bag. These snacks typically lack protein and fiber needed to fill you up; and even if they have 2 grams or more per serving, often the added sodium can make you feel bloated.

Instead, snack on: Cheesy kale chips

Stop saying yuck! Tear kale leaves into large pieces and arrange on a baking sheet. Spritz with olive oil and bake in a 350-degree oven until crisp. While still warm, sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan cheese.

If you crave: Creamy snacks, like a bowl of ice cream or a velvety dip

Put down the bowl! These tend to be full of bad-for-your-heart saturated fat and not worth the risk, even if you don't care about the calories.

Instead, snack on: Simple mashed sweet potato

Too easy: Microwave a small sweet potato, split it open, and mash a little OJ and cinnamon into it. Eat it right out of the jacket. Packed with fiber and tons of nutritious beta carotene (which your body converts to eye-protecting vitamin A), it should kill your craving until the next meal.

MORE FROM READER’S DIGEST:

How Paula Deen Lost 30 Pounds

60-Second At-Home Health Tests

16 Ways to Lose Weight Walking

How to Lose Weight Around the Clock

Dirty Restaurant Secrets the Kitchen Crew Won't Tell You

Take advantage of this exclusive offer: