Admit it: A common fear while dieting is that you'll find yourself horribly hungry all the time. How many times have you dumped your diet after repeatedly caving to the snack attacks that arise between meals or during late-night TV watching?
Chill out! A good weight-loss plan allows snacking. The key is to have healthy snacks on hand. It's time to stock your freezer with diet-friendly foods and goodies.
You won't be left out in the cold if you keep your ice box stocked up with the following foods:
1. Birds Eye Steamfresh veggies
With less than 200 calories for the whole bag, stick it in the microwave for five minutes and voila! Steamed veggies are healthy and delicious and easier to make than ever before! They come in different varieties of vegetables so you never get bored.
eDiets expert nutritionist Pamela Ofstein says, "We know it is important to get our vegetables in daily and now you can have them at any time. I like to cook them up (even in the middle of the day) and top with some dried herbs or even a teaspoon of low-fat Italian dressing to add a little zest!"
2. Skinny Cow ice cream
These delicious ice-cream sandwiches are 97-percent fat free and have only 140 calories! Every now and then we all get a little craving for something sweet. But no longer do you have to stray from your diet to get a delicious treat.
"If you are looking for a treat without going overboard on calories and fat, they can be perfect for that occasional sweet treat," Pam says.
With flavors like chocolate mint and caramel swirl they certainly hit the sweet spot!
3. Sugar-Free Popsicles
These are perfect for that after-meal sweet tooth we all get! They are low in calories and sugar-free!
"These are especially great in the summer. They can be a perfect substitution for high-sugar drinks," Pam says. "They quench thirst just as well!"
There are even sugar-free fudgesicles and creamsicles available that will help you stay on your diet while curbing your sweet tooth.
4. Edamame
Also known as soybeans, edamame is a delicious and healthy Japanese snack. Soy has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, improves bone health and help reduce certain types of cancer. Simply pop the beans in your mouth and discard the shell. They are low in calories and easy to make -- all you have to do is boil some water. So enjoy!
5. Gardenburger
These patties are full of flavor and healthy ingredients. Simply heat in the microwave (usually 35 seconds or so) and have it as a snack. They even come in vegan varieties and different flavors. For you meat eaters who get the craving, look no further. These are delicious and hearty and have around 100 calories per patty. Just be sure not to go overboard with toppings!
6. Kashi Go Lean Frozen Waffles
These will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you tons of fiber. Each waffle has 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and only 3 grams of fat! All you have to do is pop one in the toaster and you have a healthy and yummy snack waiting for you.
No longer do you have to snack in fear. Just remember the key is moderation. Keep proper portions in mind and snacking will be a piece of cake (or better yet, some steamed veggies).
Do you need help with your diet and nutrition? Are you ready to start making a difference in your life and take the best care of yourself possible? eDiets can help with plenty of fantastic programs to choose from. Click here for a free diet profile.
Jaclyn Johnson is an eDiets editorial intern and a journalism/mass communications major at New York University.
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