Making Snack Time Quick, Easy, and Healthy

It’s a new year, which means countless people have set new resolutions. At this point in the month, some are going strong, others are wavering a little, and yet others have completely given up.

If you’re struggling or just need some more motivation, here are some great blog posts to help you out: "How to Stick to Your Healthy New Year’s Resolutions" and "How to Achieve Your Health Goals This Year".

I know I can count myself among the many who struggle to stay motivated to exercise. Sometimes I find it easier to watch what I’m eating, especially when it comes to snacking.

For example, I try to grab an orange instead of a cookie for an afternoon snack. Here’s a list of some of  the best healthy snacks you can find in your grocery store, according to WebMD. Whether you have a hankering for something sweet, hot, crunchy, or frozen, you can find a great treat to satisfy those cravings.

Sweet Treats

Fat-Free, Sugar-Free Instant Pudding
Photo courtesy of Fandrop.com

Fat-free, sugar-free instant pudding:

1.4-ounce box (makes 2 cups)
Per ½ cup serving made with fat-free milk:80 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 6 g protein, 0 g fiber, 7 g sugar (from the natural sugar in milk), 360 mg sodium

Fiber One Bars (Oats & Strawberry flavor): 5 bars per box Per bar: 140 calories, 3g fat, .5 g saturated fat, 2 g protein, 9 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 95 mg sodium

Nabisco Fat-Free Fig Newtons (now made with 100% whole grain!): 12 ounces per package Per two cookies: 90 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 1 g protein, 1 g fiber, 12 g sugar (some of which comes from the figs), 125 mg sodium

Frozen Treats

Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (a great choice for summer): 6 bars per box Per bar: 80 calories, 1.5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 4 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 65 mg sodium

Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bars: 6 bars per box Per bar: 100 calories, 2.5 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 3 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 50 mg sodium

Crunchy Treats

Smart Balance Light Butter Popcorn (no diacetyl added): 3 bags per box Per 2 tablespoons unpopped: 120 calories, 4.5 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 4 g fiber, 0 sugar, 290 mg sodium

Nabisco Reduced-Fat Triscuit Crackers: 8.5 ounces per box Per 7 crackers (1 ounce): 120 calories, 2.5 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 3 g fiber, 0 sugar, 160 mg sodium

Hot Treats

Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request Vegetable Soup (a great snack or meal during the winter): 18.8 ounces per can Per 1 cup: 110 calories, 1 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 3 g protein, 3 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 410 mg sodium

Lean Pockets Turkey, Broccoli, and Cheese (made with whole grains): 2 pockets per box Per pocket: 260 calories, 8 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 9 g protein, 4 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 430 mg sodium

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Weight Control 
Photo courtesy of Quakeroats.com

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Weight Control (Cinnamon flavor): 8 packets per box Per packet: 160 calories, 3 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 7 g protein, 6 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 270 mg sodium

What's your favorite healthy snack?