Low-Carb Snack Ideas

Sometimes, the goal you set toward healthy choices seems to be difficult in the world of snacking. Even the word “Healthy” on some packages like crackers, smoothies and granola bars doesn’t deny the fact that they are full of refined carbs. Never lose the will because there’s more options than you think.

•Nuts
One serving or 1/3 cup of these crunchy nuts will boost your energy for hours with only 5g of carbs! 1/3 cup is equivalent to:
•14 walnut halves
•24 almonds
•16 cashews
•28 peanuts
•45 pistachios

•Edamame
Edamame or steamed soybeans have a great taste, full of protein and fiber, and have just 8 g of carbs in ½ a cup. Edamame can be prepared in the microwave, so keep a bag in your freezer!

•Yogurt with Cucumbers
Use a cup of 0fat yogurt as a dip for fresh cucumbers. It contains up to 12g of carbs and 20g of protein.

•Tuna-Stuffed Tomato
Don’t skip the health benefits of tuna if a tuna sandwich is your favorite! All you have to do is to replace the 30g carbs with a fresh tomato! Stuff 90g of canned tuna in a fresh tomato with only 3.5 grams of carbs.

•Hardboiled Egg
For a snack less than 1g of Carb, hard-boiled eggs rank number 1! Cut the egg in half and enjoy the taste with a little hot sauce!

•Hummus and Pepper Wedges
For a filling and tasty snack, replace bread with cuts of red pepper to enjoy 1/4 cup of hummus loaded with 16 g carbs.

•Apples and Cheese
Have a filling snack by combining protein, fat, fiber and only 10g of Carb! Enjoy your favorite sweet and salty mix of ½ cup of apple slices & tasty cheese.

•Avocado on a Crisp
Nourish your body with heart-healthy fats and plenty of fibers! Smash ¼ of an avocado and spread it on 2 light rye crisps for a crunchy and creamy snack with 18g of carbs!

•Turkey Roll-Ups
Instead of eating a turkey sandwich made with bread, replace the bread with a lettuce. Add to the lettuce, a roll of 30g turkey slices and a bit of mustard. This light crispy snack has about 3 g of carbs and will keep your energy up through the afternoon.

•Cottage Cheese with Berries
Even though cheesecake is on the black list, you can copy a little of the flavor to prepare a healthy snack. Combine ½ cup of blueberries with a cup of low-fat cottage cheese and zero calorie sweetener. Enjoy your healthy recipe with only 18 g of carbs.

•Celery and Peanut Butter
Who said peanut butter is not a good choice? Spread 30g of peanut butter on 2 medium celery sticks with only 9g of carbs.

Christelle Bedrossian
Dietitian-Nutritionist
Beirut, Lebanon