We all know we should snack on fresh fruit and vegetables, as opposed to candy and chips. But sometimes you want something crunchy and salty, and an apple just won't cut it.
Don't throw nutrition to the wind and go whole hog into the candy or snack food aisle. There are still smart snack choices you can make that will make a difference in the calories, fat and carbohydrates you take in.
Portion size is a big factor. Consider that a cup of potato chips has about twice the calories of a cup of popcorn, and you might decide you can fulfill your salty craving with less fat and calories.
That said, when given a choice, try and buy the smallest size available. If you must have cookie, buy the small packages of two or four, rather than the family-sized. Buying the large size, even if you promise yourself you'll save some for later, usually leads to eating more than you intend.
Making some of these simple substitutions can make a difference. You'll see a difference in your waistline, without sacrificing your craving for salty or sweet snacks.
Instead of |
Eat
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Potato Chips
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Microwave popcorn
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Whole milk in coffee
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Skim milk
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Candy bar, 2 oz.
|
Hershey's Kisses, 6
|
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Doughnut
|
Cereal bar
|
|
Cupcake
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Angel food cake, 1 slice
|
|
Fried chicken
|
Lean roast beef
|
|
Pecan pie, 1 slice
|
Pumpkin pie, 1 slice
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