How To Choose Good South Beach Diet Snacks

Many people equate dieting to eating less. But that is hardly the case with South Beach Diet. This diet is touted as balanced low-carb diet in that the dieter is advised to consume a variety of foods that is in accordance to the glycemic index. The South Beach Diet is divided into three phases, with phase one being the “strictest.” In this phase, you are allowed to eat six times in a day, which include two snacks: mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Because you are not allowed to eat rice, pasta, bread, fruits, sugar, and baked items in phase one, you may find it quite hard to pick the foods to eat during the two snack times. But the truth is, you have a variety of options. And here is a guide to help you.

1. Choose yogurt. Sugar-free, fat-free, and plain-flavored yogurt makes a good South Beach Diet snack. You can eat it on its own or make it a dip. Get some vegetables, say cucumber, celery, or lettuce, and dip them into a cup of yogurt. You can also use yogurt as a vegetable salad dressing.
2. Take sugar-free Jello. South Beach Diet includes a daily intake of 75 calories. To meet this caloric requirement, you can eat sugar-free Jello, which has all the sweetness in it, but eliminates the guilt feeling. Sugar-free Jello comes in different flavors, so you can have variety even if you eat it everyday. You can eat it on its own or mix it with nuts or, for added flavor, coconut milk.
3. Go for sweets. Other than Jello, you can also eat other kinds of sugar-free sweets like hard candies, popsicles, and fudgesicles to meet the daily 75-calorie requirement.
4. Eat nuts. One serving of nuts is also a recommended South Beach Diet snack. You can take peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews. Although you can eat them as they are, nuts are also good if paired with other snacks like low-carb dips and yogurt. To avoid overeating nuts, make sure to measure them correctly and keep in a zip-lock bag. Peanut butter also makes a good South Beach diet. A teaspoon of low-carb peanut butter is best paired with celery.
5. Go for cheese. You can also eat low-fat cheese as a snack. Go for cottage, cheddar, or cream cheese. Add nuts and vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, and celery for extra flavor and variety.
6. Choose vegetables. South Beach Diet involves a lot of vegetables. You can eat asparagus, beat greens, broccoli, celery, eggplant, lettuce, snow peas, spinach, tomatoes, and water cress, among others. Mix the vegetables together and add yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to make a vegetable salad. You can also eat them with tuna flakes and small dice of meat like ham.
7. Take eggs. Hard-boiled and deviled eggs are excellent South Beach Diet snack. Eat them as is or with vegetables and meat. You can, for instance, include eggs in lettuce roll-ups with tuna.

The purpose of snacking is to control your hunger pangs. So each time your stomach is grumbling in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon, don’t deprive yourself; instead, take a good and satisfying snack.

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Healthy Sugar Snacks for Someone With a Sweet Tooth

Almost every month contains a holiday or event that promises sweet treats that fuel your sweet tooth cravings. Rather than following an all-or-nothing approach to your diet, try replacing traditional cookies and desserts with healthier options that are satisfying yet nutritious. Fruit dipped in or drizzled with chocolate, baked fruits and frozen fruit bars satisfy your craving for sweets and provide balance within a healthy diet.

Skip Sugar-Free Choices

• Sugar-free gelatin, pudding or diet sodas may seem like an innocent enough option to satisfy your sweet tooth, but many research studies suggest this may be counterproductive. One study published in the "Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine" highlights how having "diet" or "light" foods containing artificial sweeteners may actually contribute to weight gain. These supersweet foods stimulate taste buds, but because they do not contain the sugar calories that regular versions provide, this may leave you less than fully satisfied and seeking out other high-calorie foods to fill that void.

Dark or Milk Chocolate

• In terms of calories and fat content, dark and milk chocolate are relatively similar, with nine Hershey's Kisses Special Dark chocolates providing 190 calories and 12 grams of fat compared to Hershey's milk chocolate Kisses that contain 200 calories and 12 grams of fat. Dark chocolate contains cocoa flavanol antioxidants and has a stronger, bitter taste compared to milk chocolate's creamy texture. Enjoy either in moderation when satisfying your sweet tooth. Dip strawberries, bananas or fresh pineapple chunks in chocolate, or drizzle a small amount over sliced fresh pears for a healthier option.
• Baked Fruits Are Naturally Sweeter

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  A baked apple with spices contains 95 calories.

  
  

  Baked apples or pears are quick and easy to prepare for dessert and a delicious way to add more fruit to your diet. When you need a sweet dessert right away, try microwaving instead of baking apples or pears. Core the fruit and sprinkle with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg and maybe a sprinkle of brown sugar. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes. Real whipped topping adds 15 calories and 1 gram of fat per 2-tablespoon serving. Frozen blueberries or mixed berries can also be microwaved for a minute or two and topped with whipped cream for a healthier option than blueberry pie yet just as satisfying.

Frozen Treats

• Grown-up versions of ice pops are another way to enjoy a sweet treat without ruining your diet. Frozen fruit bars provide 40 to 80 fat-free calories. These frozen fruit bars are made with fruit juice and puree and are an excellent source of vitamin C. With a variety of flavors like acai blueberry, lime, pineapple, creamy coconut, mango and many others, you're sure to find one that fits your craving.

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The Best Snacks Before Running

Whether you are running for a work out or a competition, choosing the right snack can affect how you feel during your run. A light pre-run snack could help you maintain your energy level and keep hunger at bay. The duration and intensity of your run influences how much you should eat and when.

Pre-workout Meal & Snacking Guidelines

• Ideally, you should consume a large meal three to four hours before you run. This will give your body ample time to digest the protein and fats in the food. Eating too much may cause stomach cramping and sluggishness, while eating too little may cause a lack of energy to sustain your run throughout the course. Snacking before exercise can help keep your blood sugar up and prevent hunger pangs, although it is unlikely to give you much of an energy boost, according to MayoClinic.com.

Whole-grain Bagel, Peanut Butter and Banana

• A whole-grain bagel with peanut butter and banana is one snack option. The banana and bagel provide carbs while the peanut butter contains protein and healthy fats. The peanut butter also helps lower the glycemic index of the snack; this means the sugar in it gets slowly released into your bloodstream, which will help you maintain your blood sugar level and energy throughout your run. Keep the snack light by using half a bagel, half a banana and two teaspoons of natural peanut butter.
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Greek Yogurt and Blueberries

• Greek yogurt is a creamy, tasty treat that packs a nutritional punch. When compared to regular yogurt, Greek yogurt has about twice the protein, less sodium and less sugar. The blueberries, which improve the flavor of the plain yogurt, contain carbs that helps replenish your glycogen stores. Use frozen berries or purchase locally produced fruits.

Fruit Smoothie

• A fruit smoothie is a snack that goes down in a few seconds. It’s got carbs, vitamins and other nutrients, plus it is highly digestible if you pick the right fruits. The natural sugar content provides a fast-energy release, which is best for sprints or a short-running course. Blend a mix of lower glycemic index fruits such as strawberries and cherries with higher glycemic index fruits such as banana and watermelon. Accompany the fruit smoothie with a handful of almonds for protein, if desired.

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Low-Calorie Vegetarian Snacks to Make at Home

If followed correctly, a vegetarian diet can be healthy and nutritious. Vegetarians must take special care to ensure that they are meeting their needs of all essential nutrients, such as protein, calcium, iron and vitamin B-12, for example. In addition, like any healthy diet, a vegetarian diet should limit high-fat, high-calorie foods. One way vegetarians can be sure they are meeting their nutritional requirements is by including nutrient-rich, low-calorie snacks in their diet.

Veggies With Hummus

• A healthy vegetarian diet should include plenty of low-calorie, nutrient-packed vegetables. Raw vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers and celery make for a crunchy and filling snack option. Of course, many people like to enjoy their veggies with dip, which can be high in calories and fat. Hummus, a dip made out of chickpeas, provides for a healthy dip option. A 2-tablespoon serving of hummus contains just 50 calories and provides protein, fiber, copper, phosphorus and vitamin B-6.

Apple With Nut Butter

• At just 70 calories, a medium apple provides for a sweet, low-calorie snack choice. To provide more nutrients, top your apple with 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter. A tablespoon of almond butter, for example, contains 100 calories and provides protein, copper, magnesium and vitamin E. Although they are nutritious options, nut butters tend to be high in calories when consumed in large quantities, so be sure to keep portion size in check.

Whole-Grain Cereal

• Cereal isn't just for breakfast anymore. In fact, whole-grain cereal is packed with nutrients and makes for a nutritious snack any time of day. Whole-grain O-shaped cereal, for instance, contains just 100 calories per cup and adds plenty of calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12 to your diet. Oatmeal is another filling snack choice that is low in calories. A packet of plain, instant oatmeal contains 100 calories and is loaded with fiber, protein and iron.

Greek Yogurt With Fruit

• Creamy Greek yogurt is a perfect snack option for vegetarians who include dairy in their diet, since it is loaded with muscle-building protein. A 6-ounce container of plain, fat-free Greek yogurt contains just 100 calories but packs 18 grams of protein. Likewise, Greek yogurt is high in calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and vitamin B-12. To add sweetness and fiber to your snack, pair Greek yogurt with sliced fruit, such as berries, pineapple or peaches.

Nutritious Edamame

• Edamame, or boiled green soybeans, provides for a fun and nutrient-rich snack choice. A 1/2-cup serving of shelled edamame is under 100 calories yet provides 8 grams of protein and contains plenty of fiber, copper and folate. You can buy edamame in the frozen vegetable section, and it comes either in the shell or already shelled. To cook edmame, simply boil, steam or microwave your desired portion.

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