1. Popcorn
Popcorn can actually be a really healthy snack if it is prepared properly. Air-popped popcorn is the best choice. You can prepare popcorn with a hot air popper if you own one, or you can prepare it in a microwave oven.
How to do it? Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of plain kernels into a brown paper lunch bag, fold over the top of the bag twice to seal it closed, and microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the popping stops.
One cup of popcorn contains only 31 calories. In addition to its low nutritional value popcorn has low fat values as well and it is therefore a good replacement for junk food.
2. Vegetables and fruits
Try to slice raw carrots into thin sticks. You can also throw in some stalk celery, sliced cucumbers, peppers, raw red beet or turnips and you will be surprised by the flavors that these goodies provide you with.
In addition you can boost their flavor with some healthy home made dipping sauces.
3. Dipping sauces
Sauces bought in supermarket are usually very high in fat and sugar. Make your own healthier version of such sauce. Here’s 3 suggestions. All very healthy.
1) A mixed sauce made of avocado, onion and lemon juice, chopped tomato, coriander and yogurt sauce.
2) Light ricotta and herbs.
3) 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1-2 tbsp of dried dill weed, 2 tbsp beau monde seasoning, 1-2 tbsp of onion powder and 1 cup of low fat cottage cheese.
4. Mini pizzas
Why would you endanger your health with greasy pizzas bought in supermarket when you can make your own pizza, which is much healthier and not so high in calories.
Here’s how you make one. Make your pizza dough with whole-wheat flour. If you don’t have the time just use whole-wheat toasts, put on some tomato sauce, a sprinkle of nonfat or low-fat cheese, very thin slices of chicken or turkey breast / tuna, some spices and herbs.
Fresh basil and oregano adds to the taste perfectly. You can also put some veggies or fruits on top, like peppers, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, pineapple, peach, … It all depends on your taste and imagination.
5. Baked pumpkin
Baked pumpkin is a perfect substitution for fries. Cut 0.4 inch / 1cm wide sticks of pumpkin and sprinkle them with herbs like thyme, oregano and/or marjoram. Light season them with salt and pepper and pour over some olive oil.
Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C. In this way you can also perfectly prepare the beetroot and other vegetables.
6. Edamame
Edamame is a preparation of immature soybeans in the pod. Edamame is rich in carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber and micronutrients, particularly folates, manganese and vitamin K.
The pods are boiled or steamed for about 5 minutes and served with salt. Avoid salt or minimize its usage and enjoy a healthy snack with a nutritional punch. You can serve edamame in their shells.
By peeling them you eat them slower and that gives you time to feel full before you’ve over eaten.
7. Artichokes
Artichokes have a very tasty meat, plus a whole artichoke contains only about 50 calories! Buy fresh artichoke and cook them in boiling water so that the bottom third of artichokes is in water.
Cook in a covered pot for about 20 minutes. Eat cooked artichokes by peeling the hard, meaty leaves and eat the soft core.
8. Nuts
Nuts are packed with nutrients, minerals and healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids. Due to high protein and fiber content they fill you up fast, which is a huge benefit to weight loss regiments.
Don’t overdo it though; while nuts are healthy, they are also rich in calories, so stick to a handful of nuts per day. There is a wide variety of nuts.
Almonds contain high levels of magnesium, which regulates blood sugar and reduces food cravings. Walnuts, pistachios and peanuts all have cholesterol lowering properties as well.
Read more about walnuts health benefits.
9. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamin B group, vitamin E and vitamin K. Pumpkin seeds are also packed with minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, iron and manganese. Pumpkin seeds contain good quality protein as well; 3.5oz / 100g of seeds provide 1.0 oz/ 30g of protein.
In addition, pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan (helps lower depression), eating them will improve your sleep and provide your organism with zinc (helps prevent osteoporosis) and contain phytosterols, compounds that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and promote good prostate health.
10. Oat cookies
With only naturally present sugars, oat cookies are a healthy choice to all other unhealthy sweets. Try oat cookies with bananas and nuts of your choice.
Mix the ingredients together and bake them in an oven, preheated on 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C for 15 minutes and voila – you just baked yourself some healthy cookies.