150-calorie snacks to keep you going until dinner
![Snacking can help you keep your diet on track, as long as you choose the right foods. [Photo: Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UiRBxFnUbVs73noUcslS4Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/glybibxssK64GxEnj0JA8g--~B/aD0xNDE0O3c9MjExOTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5cf927b82400002c0f8598df.jpeg)
While traditional diet wisdom would have you believe snacking is off-limits, practically we all know there are days when we crave an extra pick-me-up between meals.
What’s more, sitting down for a meal when ravenous can often lead to overeating.
So, what’s the practical solution? Diet coach Terri-Ann Nunns suggests snacking, per se, isn’t the problem – it’s choosing the wrong food to eat.
Controlled snacking can in fact be a “useful tool to help you to manage your weight,” she tells Yahoo UK.
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Healthy, low-calorie calories provides the body with a “steady flow of energy throughout the day which should reduce cravings that could lead to unhealthier choices,” she adds.
So, if you find yourself craving snacks throughout the day, just make sure you’re making the right choices which are low in calories and provide vital nutrients.
Nunns had recommended her favourite calories which are 150 calories or under:
20 fresh or frozen grapes (69 calories). Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. “Try them frozen if you want something a little different,” she recommends.
A small box of raisins (129 calories). An easy snack to pack in your bag, this also contributes to your five-a-day.
Three rice cakes (105 calories). Rice cakes are a great savoury snack. You can have them plain, or go for flavours like salt and vinegar, toffee or chocolate, Nunns suggests.
Low calorie hot chocolate (40 calories). Extremely low calorie, this is great for a chocolate craving.
Pot of yoghurt (93 calories). Try this for a double helping of protein and calcium.
Small bag of popcorn (135 calories). “Believe it or not, popcorn is a whole grain and a higher intake of whole grains has been linked with reduced cholesterol levels and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes,” says Nunns. “Just make sure you don’t choose the ones that are coated in toffee or sugar, choose either the plain or lightly flavoured options.”
A bag of baked crisps (102 calories). “Yes, you can still have snacks like crisps if you want to lose weight,” says Nunns.
Two large boiled eggs (144 calories). Thanks to their high protein content, eggs are a filling snack to fight off a mid-afternoon craving.
