Health Snack Options

Browsing around last night, I decided to look for some healthy snack options. I get burned out on string cheese and almonds. I think I will enjoy them a lot more when I can add in some others once in a while.

6 whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter

1 small pear and a small handful almonds

6 ounces of yogurt

2 cups of popcorn

1/2 cup of sugar-free pudding

1/2 cup of no-sugar-added ice cream

1 cup of berries and 1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese

1 small protein bar with around 15 grams carbohydrate

1 small apple with peanut butter

1/2 turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread

Veggies dipped in hummus

1/2 cup yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup cottage cheese

6 whole wheat crackers with laughing cow cheese triangle

Note: By drinking a glass of water when eating a high fiber snack, it alows the fiber to expand keeping you fuller longer.

Here are some examples of some lower (under 15g) carbohydrate snacks:

Handful of almonds, walnuts, or pecans

Celery stalks with peanut butter

String Cheese

1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese

Hard boiled egg

Veggies and low-fat dip

Sugar-free jello

Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground beef

dash of Worcestershire

3 1/2 cups diced potatoes

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup chopped celery stalk

3 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

5 tablespoons butter

10 ounces American cheese / Velveeta, cubed

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper

Sauté the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot over a medium heat until browned (optional: to ground beef add a dash of Worcestershire, garlic salt, onion salt, pepper). Drain and set aside.

In the same pot, add butter, chopped celery, chopped carrots, parsley and basil and sauté. When the vegitables are tender, add flour and let cook for a minute. Now add the chicken broth. Whisk together. Add diced potatoes and cooked beef and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Reduce the heat and add cubed cheese and milk. Stir until melted.

When the cheese has melted remove the pot from the heat.

(Optional) Original Cheeseburger Soup: Serve with a spoonful of sour cream in each bowl.