Need healthy snack/small meal ideas!

[Stephanie]

I'm trying to get into the habit of eating several small meals a day, but am having a really tough time coming up with healthy, "clean" food that will also satiate me. I only have two favorites right now - a large apple with a slice of cheese, and a cup of cottage cheese with a fresh tomato.

I'm just curious to know what everyone else is eating. :nosey:

[Clare-Dragonfly]

I love peanut butter sandwiches, made with crunchy hydrogenated-oil-free peanut butter and whole grain bread.

Also, wheat crackers (Stoned Wheat Thins are my favorite) with cream cheese--you can use light cream cheese if you want, I don't find it tastes much different.

Ooh, or ants on a log! Fill a celery stick with peanut butter and stick raisins on it. Yummm :happy:

[getoffmyskittle]

My recent favorite is a DT that I actually put in my hair at first, then modified for food. :D

I slice up a banana, add a cup (the little yoplait cups) of vanilla-flavored yogurt, and mix them together. Then I pour honey over the top, mix again, and eat!

It's probably the best idea I've ever had in my life. :whoohoo:

[Wind]

One of my favorite snacks is similar to Skitts'. I like plain yogurt, with honey and grapenuts! Fresh fruit, like strawberries, are good to add. Oranges are a great, I eat at least 3 a day. I also love apples and cheese! Sharp cheddar tastes the best. :lafhard:

[eiyela]

Strawberries... Oh, the cravings!:gurn: I want nothing more than a bowl of fresh strawberries with milk and sugar right now. The milk turns pink after a while!:whoohoo:

I like eating frozen berries. frozen redcurrants are great in drinks too! And frozen raspberries with pineapple... Heavenly. Might have to defrost them a wee bit first, though. Even better with a bit of vanilla yoghurt on top.

[jessie58]

I really like almonds and dried apricots for a healthy snack and it staves off hunger too.

Good old crackers and cheese is good but also whole wheat crackers with peanut butter and bananas is yummy.

I agree with all the yogurt ideas, great snack food.

[Pierre]

Make three burritos and eat one at a time.
Peanut butter sandwiches likewise. Also peanut butter megillas, or hummus megillas. (A megilla is a tortilla spread with something and then rolled up.)

[jessie58]

Oh yes hummus and mini pitas dipped in with carrot sticks. yummy.

[Stephanie]

Ooooh! Great ideas! I do love yogurt, but I completely spaced out the crackers with peanut butter and bananas. Yum. And I love tortillas...that's a definite add to my shopping list.

Okay...hungry now... :lol:

[Calico]

Hope I'm not stepping in too late . . .

I take about a third cup of frozen blueberries, add a sprinkling of sugar, and couple of heaping tablespoons of non- or low-fat unflavored yogurt. I mix it all together and let it sit for a few seconds. The yogurt freezes to the blueberries.

I'm sure you could use honey or something else for a more healthful sweetening agent.

Calico

[Stephanie]

Thanks Calico! That sounds really good. I'd like to try it with frozen raspberries, too. Yum!

[katkero]

I like homemade smoothies or a fruit- or vegetablesalad. With a yoghurtdressing.
Or some goatcheese and crackers.

[Leisha]

A twist on the one getoffmyskittle mentioned: cut a banana into a few chunks, add a little pot of natural yoghurt, some honey if you want (if the banana is quite ripe it's probably sweet enough without) and add milk. Blend it all together in a blender or with a handheld electric mixerthingie. You can kind of choose how liquid you want it by adding more or less milk.
I really love it, sort of like a banana milkshake :drool: It's also an excellent drink for when you're not hungry enough to eat breakfast in the mornings but don't want to go out with an empty stomach etc. it really gives you some energy. Sometimes I add an apple :apple: too.
And I got the recipe from a site with food to make your hair healthier :whoohoo:
I'm gonna try getoffmyskittle's variation too!! :)

[LisaJaney]

For salty-sweet munchiness, I like a mix of peanuts, raisins, sunflower-seeds and chocolate chips (not a lot of chocolate chips; just enough to give you a kick now and then).

The other thing I really like is popcorn, airpopped, then sprayed with "I can't believe it's not butter" spray-on butter-ish-whatever-the-heck-it-is. Supposedly, there are NO calories in it if you use 5 sprays. I use like twenty, so I'm sure I'm not calorieless, but oh well. ;)

The other thing we do at night (I will do it here in a minute) is to take a frozen banana (we freeze those puppies when they're sitting on the counter getting REALLY freckled) and pop it in the blender with milk and ice-cubes and maybe some other frozen fruits (peaches, strawberries, grapes, melon, whatever) and a couple of packets of fake-sweetener and make a shake. It's really good, and the only calories are from the fruit and milk, and I don't feel bad about consuming milk calories or fruit calories.

HTH,
Lisa

[Ama]

2 of my favorites:

1. Similar to Leisha's shake: In a blender I mix. 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp honey, some peanuts (I don't measure, maybe 2 tbsp), 1 heaping tbsp of peanut butter, 1 banana. This is called the Breakfast Shake but I have it when I feel like it *smile*. I also add things like flax seeds and black cumin seeds. It is soooo good!.

2. My other favorite is just pita bread with hummus. I get this hummus which is a mix of hummus and tahini, oh, I wish I could get the recipe. I could live off of it.

Both are pretty fillilng.

[summer-time]

Fruits and vegies, green grapes are my fav and banana's. I also eat baby carrots out of a bag from the store and raw brocc and cauli.

I want to try the new steamed vegies in a bag

low cal treats like popsiclies

[LilyMunster]

Lately I've been on a Lavish bread w hummus kick. Apple's w peanut butter. Real homemade popcorn. Pure fruit leather. Raw almonds and fresh orange slices.

LM

[lizzernog]

Crackers with goat cheese usually hit the spot for me. Big grapes are good too. We get huge grapes when we go food shopping. Love 'em! :happy: Yogurt is always good for a little snack with fresh fruit or on top of those little yellow spongecakes for a healthier dessert replacement.

[mira-chan]

Dried fruit (apples, pears, apricots, pinapple, etc.) is a good snack food. Also fresh apple, sliced in sections, with honey is a good dessert.
My mother makes a milk shake with yogurt instead of milk. She uses plain yogurt and any combination of fruits and berries available in the house.

[bowie]

Sliced apple with soy butter.

Crackers with soy butter.

Bananas with soy butter.

(no peanuts in our house due to allergy)

[hairfitness101]

My idea is similar to LJ's. I like to make my own trail mix. This way I know there's no foreign chemicals, salts, msg etc in the mix. My family goes crazy for it and it doesn't last long so I make two large freezer bags at a time usually.

I buy crispix or wheat chex usually. Sometimes I will buy shredded wheat (mini's-no frosting!). Mix in different dried fruits. Sometimes its raisins but I like to put in dried cranberries or mango.

Add in a can of mixed nuts- or you could do your favorite type- almonds/walnuts etc. Add reduced salt pretzel stix or my fav. sesame or cajun stix. (Not that low fat but its not so bad and oh so satisfying.)

I like to add garlic chips or bagel chips if I have the extra money.

If I'm feeling really bad, I'll add in a bag of m&m's but I find that when I eat sugar it only makes me want more so I try to leave that out. You really don't need it if you add dried fruits. And you don't want to send your body on a glucose high, it will only make you binge.

[eucalyptus]

what's the benefit of having several small meals, instead of three main meals? Doesn't that make it seem like you spend a lot of time eating/preparing food each day? How many meals do you eat?

[summer-time]

My idea is similar to LJ's. I like to make my own trail mix. This way I know there's no foreign chemicals, salts, msg etc in the mix. My family goes crazy for it and it doesn't last long so I make two large freezer bags at a time usually.

I buy crispix or wheat chex usually. Sometimes I will buy shredded wheat (mini's-no frosting!). Mix in different dried fruits. Sometimes its raisins but I like to put in dried cranberries or mango.

Add in a can of mixed nuts- or you could do your favorite type- almonds/walnuts etc. Add reduced salt pretzel stix or my fav. sesame or cajun stix. (Not that low fat but its not so bad and oh so satisfying.)

I like to add garlic chips or bagel chips if I have the extra money.

If I'm feeling really bad, I'll add in a bag of m&m's but I find that when I eat sugar it only makes me want more so I try to leave that out. You really don't need it if you add dried fruits. And you don't want to send your body on a glucose high, it will only make you binge.





I think home made trail mix is an excellent idea, you control what and how much.

[hairfitness101]

Thanks summer-time. I'm a definite muncher. I have to make sure I'm not munching just for the sake of munching. The trail mix can be place in ziploc bags for outings to the park, at work (for that 10:30am-I'm so hungry I could pass out! feelings.), and for watching tv. Its also a good way to keep tabs on what the kids are eating.

[summer-time]

Thanks summer-time. I'm a definite muncher. I have to make sure I'm not munching just for the sake of munching. The trail mix can be place in ziploc bags for outings to the park, at work (for that 10:30am-I'm so hungry I could pass out! feelings.), and for watching tv. Its also a good way to keep tabs on what the kids are eating.
I completely agree, it is a great way to watch your kids intake. I munch on cereal in ziplocks off and on, like a mini breakfast in the morning or a snack anytime.

[Love My Cop]

My favorite snacks: Chuncks of Cantelope, Bananas, Apples and Grapes in a bowl, sprinkled shaved Coconut. - New Potatoes Turkey stuffed in Pita, with lettuces, tomatoes, and chunks of Advocados ( more of a meal, but fillig and light) Baked Salmon, seasoned with lemon pepper

[truepeacenik]

what's the benefit of having several small meals, instead of three main meals? Doesn't that make it seem like you spend a lot of time eating/preparing food each day? How many meals do you eat?
it's grazing and for some people it equalizes blood sugar levels. If the mini meals (actually fancier snacks) are made ahead of time, then it isn't like making two "meals."
I do it in winter or I get low blood sugar quite badly. Summer is liquids and fruits/ veg.

my magic pick me up is cucumber salad (made in large amounts to last a week...so the theory goes)
cukes and red onion slivered fine, jalapeno (serrano if you love heat, a mix if you simply like heat) pepper diced fine, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt and rice wine vinegar, all to taste.
sometimes a drizzle of aguave nectar (liquid sweetener with no glycemic hit...which is the point of eating this). mix. add toasted cumin or other spices as desired.
keep refrigerated and make sure the liquid in the main bowl is covering the cukes.

[wavebaby]

Well, I think most of mine have been covered, but here's my usual list, just in case one wasn't already mentioned.

Mixed nuts (handfull, unsalted)
whole wheat tortilla with any of the following: peanut or almond butter, hummus (homemade, if possible) guacamole (again, homemade if possible)

fruit smoothies that go something like this : Frozen strawberries, bananna, blueberries, skim milk, a TBSP or so of cold pressed flax oil - the frozen berried make it thick) and whatever fresh fruit is on hand) - these vary depending on what is on hand, and I usually sprinkle wheat, bran, or flax on them too.

lettuce leaf filled with tuna salad (add raisins or dates or dried apricots for sweetness & texture)

these are just a few "mini" meal snacks that I find fill me up & keep me going.:grinhappy:

[Amber]

Boiled eggs are great to have on hand.
Also, those tiny tins of salmon are really useful.
Sometimes I also take carrot sticks and brocolli or cauliflower florettes to work, and eat them with a salsa dip for lunch. Yum!

I'm mostly vege, but am doing my body a favour this year, and trying to eat more paleo. :D

[Karen]

Please keep those ideas coming! I really need some ideas because I am hungry all the time but don't eat wheat, dairy, or artificial stuff.

[hairfitness101]

Amber made me remember one of my other "snacks". Actually, you could eat it as a snack but I eat it as a meal. It is very low fat but high in protein, very easy to make, and very satisfying when you just don't want carrots or apples. (that happens to me frequently)

Toast whole wheat bread- (I guess you could use white or gluten free or maybe even pita), if you can get the 35 calories slices-even better. Get a bowl that is microwave safe and place two egg whites in it. If you don't know how to do that, just crack them and pour the yoke in one half shell letting the white spill out into the bowl. Go back and forth with the yoke into the other half shell until you've got most of the white out- throw away yokes or use for a hair treatment recipe if you like.Cover bowl with a papertowel to prevent splatter all over microwave. I nuke mine for about 75 seconds but yours may vary. Loosen edges with a butter knife to check underneath that it is cooked all the way. Slide egg whites onto your toasted bread. I do use butter but its the no-transfat/lowfat stuff (what do you use intead of butter?). A little salt and pepper and you've got a great breakfast or snack for probably around 5 grams of fat-depending on how much butter you used and what kind of bread. For a meal I would add some fruit on the side or something to round it out and make sure you're not going to be hungry later. I like to make these and throw them in a bag for work-when I'm in a hurry. But its definitely better hot.

You could add cheese but again, if you're trying to watch the fat grams you may want to omit it or use reduced fat. I used cheese at first until I got used to eating egg whites. Now I prefer it without it. Egg whites actually contain all the protein, there's minimal amount in the yoke and its really all fat.

[truepeacenik]

I'm mostly vege, but am doing my body a favour this year, and trying to eat more paleo. :D
paleo? Makes me think of dinosaurs. what's paleo?

[Kuchen]

This is at the "snack" or "grazing" end of the spectrum, and I haven't tried making it for myself yet, but I tried some at a friend's house today and it was delicious :drool:

mix your choice of pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, almond chips and sunflower seeds, sprinkle with soy sauce and roll in a little oil, then bake in the oven till crisp.

I'm going out first thing tomorrow to buy the ingredients!

[Amber]

paleo? Makes me think of dinosaurs. what's paleo?

LOL! Basically, eating Paleo just means trying to eat what your body was designed (evolved) to eat.

In other words, lots of veges, lots of fish, lots of lean meat (for carnivores!), some fruit, some nuts, few (or no) grains, little (or no) sugar, little (or no) dairy.

It's common sense, and also my food goal for this year. I don't think I'll ever be completely Paleo, but I'm making a big effort to reach for some nuts, fruit, an egg or some fish when I want a snack, instead of going for something made of wheat, sugar or milk.

Hope that makes sense?

:)

[jessie58]

LOL! Basically, eating Paleo just means trying to eat what your body was designed (evolved) to eat.

In other words, lots of veges, lots of fish, lots of lean meat (for carnivores!), some fruit, some nuts, few (or no) grains, little (or no) sugar, little (or no) dairy.

It's common sense, and also my food goal for this year. I don't think I'll ever be completely Paleo, but I'm making a big effort to reach for some nuts, fruit, an egg or some fish when I want a snack, instead of going for something made of wheat, sugar or milk.

Hope that makes sense?

:)

Amber, not only does that make sense to me but it sounds like a wonderful, healthy way to eat. Almost exactly what I ate exclusively from age 14 to about 26. I ate only chicken and fish, no other meats, I ate tons of fruits and veggies and seldom ate sweets or goodies. Today, however, is another story. :grim:

[Serendipity]

I make this shake when I get hungry and I don't feel like making a meal, because it's healthy and it fills me up. But I do put a raw egg in it, so some of you might not want to do that. Up to you.

In a big glass, put the following:

-a handful of berries, cut up peach slices or half a banana
-tablespoon organic flaxseed oil
-enough yogurt to generously coat the bottom of the glass
-fill the rest of the glass with soy milk (I usually use strawberry flavour)
-and crack an egg in there if you're feeling brave! :chicken:

Blend with a handheld blender till smooth. It'll turn out frothy, fruity, filling and delicious! Enjoy! :D

[SunCat]

I have been eating at least 6 small meals a day for about 2 years now. I feel better and look better. Like the others I try to eat more whole foods. I like to make up a batch of skillet granola, it makes a great snack or cereal and is also good on yogurt or fresh fruit.

Quick Skillet Granola

2 Tablespoons Butter or Vegetable Oil
2 Tablespoons Honey or Pure Maple Syrup
1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds
1 Cup Old Fashoined Oats

Heat butter or oil along with the honey or maple syrup in a 12 inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat, stirring until butter is melted. Sir in sesame seeds and cook, stirring until golden 2 to 3 minutes. Add oats and cook, stirring and tossing with 2 wooden spoons until golden brown 3 to 4 minutes.

Spread Granola evenly on a large sheet of foil or baking sheet to cool. After granola is cool you can add nuts, dried fruit and coconut if desired.

Granola keeps in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week

I also like to bake tortillas I just cut up fresh corn or whole grain tortillas using a pizza cutter then brush with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with pure sea salt and just eat them plain or you can add some chesse, cumin and chili powder. Parmegano Regiano (I know I spelled that wrong) grated on top with some Italian Seasoning is also good.

I bake them at 350 until they are crispy about 15-20 minutes.

[lizzernog]

SunCat those both sound delicious!

The second one reminded me of a Greek friend. She lightly toasts little triangles of pitas and cooks little cubes of season chicken and makes some sort of dip (not quite sure what it is :sorry: ) and together it makes a great little and light meal. Mmm.

[joyful373]

Thanks everyone for all of the great meal suggestions-- I really agree with a lot of what has been shared-- just to add my two cents, I like to make sure that my snacks are as balanced as my meals. (I have a correct proportion of protein, fat, and carbohydrates) I like low fat cottage cheese, 1/4 cup sliced strawberried, and a handfull of almonds. I'll second the apples with peanut butter-- although if you go with natural peanut butter you can save yourself some of the sugar from other refined pb's. another stand-by: 1/2 apple, yogurt (about a cup or so), and guacamole. (I know-- but I fix it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge--with a little lemon juice to keep it from turning so soon. It's good for a few days. ) Hope any of this is usefull.

---Joyful :sheep:

[wavebaby]

I tend to eat in season (whatever produce is in season at the time, that way, you get a good balance throughout the year) lots of fish, some organic free range poultry, lots of whole grains, veg & lentils & legumes, we aim for red meat only once or twice a week, athough with summer bbq season upon us, it's a bit harder:grinhappy:. I guess it could be described as "paleo"? . I read Dr Andrew Weil's Eating Well for Optimum Health and it is basically what he describes as the Medeterranean way of eating.

[hairfitness101]

I just wanted to show you all this link.
http://www.barrysbakery.com/products.htm
I was just at the store with a major sweet tooth. Thankfully they didn't have any doughnuts left. Anyway, I saw these French twists and they really are good. If you are dying for something from the bakery, these are probably the least of the "bad" stuff and are recommended by Weight Watchers.

[wavebaby]

MMMMMM, major sweet tooth here...now I have a hankering for French twists.:boggle:





(did I just say, 'hankering"??:geek: )

[eiyela]

I am currently eating a double sandwich with cucumber and feta cheese, and it's heaven! I just wish I had a bit of paprika and grilled chicken, then it would be the ultimate sandwich.:whoohoo:

[enitsirk]

I am currently eating a double sandwich with cucumber and feta cheese, and it's heaven! I just wish I had a bit of paprika and grilled chicken, then it would be the ultimate sandwich.:whoohoo:

You just reminded me of a couple of my favorite things..simple but tasty:

Take a cucumber, peel it, cut it in half lengthwise, sprinkle a little bit of salt on each half and enjoy.

Annd...

Rhubarb.
Rhubarb is tart, so it's plain delicious if you put just a little (a little) sugar on it and eat it...oh it's so good.
Just remember to trash the leaves..they're poisonous raw or cooked.

[Scarlet]

Old thread, but good idea!

My DH love that apple walnut salad from McDonalds, so we do a version of it here. Slice an apple and dip in low fat honey and almond flavored yoghurt. DD loves this too. They eat if for desert sometimes. They also use other flavors of yoghurt as dip.

I like vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, celery with a little ranch or other dip. Hits the spot and makes me feel good about myself. Sometimes I'll make a flavored cream cheese spread and use it with sliced squash and zuchinni, which is also delish. I use the sliced squash and zuchinni in place of chips with dips, too. Yummy and good for you too!

[Countrymouse]

It is a good thread! Thanks for bumping it up, Scarlet. :grinhappy:

There are some great ideas here. I usually just go with crackers and cheese or nuts, some grapes occasionally. I found some little snack cups with organic sugar-free applesauce at the health food store that are really tasty too. Taking frozen fruit and adding yogurt to it till it freezes to the fruit sounds wonderful.

[jessie58]

I like to make a salad and throw a 1/2 can of tuna or salmon on it. No mayo, just the meat and veggies.

I also like to cook extra meat when we BBQ so I can have a half a chicken breast the next day with a couple of carrot sticks and sugar snap peas for a small snack or lunch.

[glamgurl36]

ive been cutting up celery and bringing it to work with me. it works out pretty well. something crunchy to munch on

[LanaMonsoon]

My daughter and I eat "purple oatmeal" in the AM. Oatmeal, frozen blueberries (defrosted), honey, splash of milk, yogurt and whatever dried fruit I have in the house.

-sweet potatoe wedges (super easy and fast, just cut them up drizzle olive oil and sprinkle sea salt, bake about 15-20 min. Yum!)
-Summer time faves are rolling grapes in lemonade and freezing them, they're soo good and kids love them
also, marinated sliced yellow squash and zuccini in lemon juice and white wine vin. & whatever seasonings you like. Grill until you have nice grill marks. We just throw them on a plate and put them in the fridge, they're great to grab when you feel like snacking!

It's great to read everyone else's favorite snacks, I'm always looking for new recipes!

[jessie58]

Holy LanaMonsoon, I love your snack ideas, they are all so good and different.
May I ask about the grapes in lemonade, do you mean lemonade in liquid form or frozen lemonade?

[LanaMonsoon]

Holy LanaMonsoon, I love your snack ideas, they are all so good and different.
May I ask about the grapes in lemonade, do you mean lemonade in liquid form or frozen lemonade?

I just pour a splash or 2 of liquid lemonade into a bowl and roll the grapes around in it, then freeze it in a ziploc or tupperware or even on a paper plate if we plan to eat them right away. They're really good when they're "not quite frozen" :)

[jessie58]

Oh yummy, thank you. Sounds so very refreshing on a summer day.

[LanaMonsoon]

You're very welcome!

[AnimaSola3o4]

This is more of a meal than a snack, but i suppose that depends on how much you put in it... I make these turkey wrap ups... with whole wheat tortillas, shredded lettuce, turkey, and a small strip of salad dressing. (thousand island or some form of italian would work), and just wrap it up. Sometimes I add cheese if I have some around. It's a really really good mini-meal. I'd imagine the possibilities are endless as far as what all you can add to it. :)

[AnimaSola3o4]

Gawd this thread is making me so hungry. I'm gonna like make a list of all these excellent ideas for the next time i go grocery shopping! I'm digging all the smoothie ideas! We have a smoothie blender and a juicer... now if only we had the money to buy as much fresh fruits and veggies as we could eat! Bah.