My Favorite 100 Calorie Gluten-Free Snacks

Hummus and veggies. Photo credit: Flickr

I like to graze.

A handful of almonds here, an apple there. I'm always snacking on something. But those calories can sure add up quickly, especially when I reach for chocolate!

So today I thought I'd do a fun roundup of some of my favorite 100 calorie (or less) gluten-free snacks to make your next between-meal munching a little bit healthier.

1. Popcorn - Lately I've been venturing into flavored popcorn. I'm in love with Angie's Boom Chicka Pop Lightly Sweet Popcorn. (It tastes like kettle corn.) This non GMO snack is just 70 calories for 2 cups!
2. Nuts - Protein and fiber-rich snacks help keep you feeling full. I like to crack open a handful of pistachios in the shell. Half an ounce of nuts, or approximately 25 kernels, is just 80 calories, according to American Pistachio Growers.
3. Dried fruit - When I have a sweet tooth, and I manage to stay away from chocolate, I love dried fruits. Those little lunchbox size packets of raisins and craisins are 90-100 calories each. As a bonus, they travel well for snacking on the go!
4. Hummus and veggies - Sabra Hummus is gluten-free and delicious. Two tablespoons is just 70 calories. Try dipping low-calorie bell pepper slices, cauliflower, broccoli, celery or radishes in the chickpea dip.

So, what healthy snacks do you like to grab in the afternoon? Tell me in the comments below.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

My Favorite Crunchy, Sweet and Salty Snack!

In the afternoon, I almost always reach for the same snack: whole almonds.

Image Credit: SXC

Since I have low blood pressure, I opt for nuts sprinkled with a little sea salt. Almonds are slightly sweet which satisfy my sweet tooth and crunchy to keep me away from the potato chips.

Almonds are the perfect healthy snack.

Sometimes I make a trail mix of whole almonds, dried cranberries and a few chocolate chips. Delicious!

How do you like to snack on almonds?


Note: Today's post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Each day during the month of April I'll highlight a letter of the alphabet with a healthy snack idea. Today is letter "A". Stop back tomorrow for another delicious tip!

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

7 Guilt-Free Munchies for Snack Time

Nuts! Photo: SXC

I have the hardest time sticking to a healthy diet when I've got the munchies. I tend to grab whatever is close without thinking about how good (or bad!) it really is for me.

Over the weekend I fell off the healthy-eating cart at a birthday party and ate several handfuls of potato chips. They were greasy, salty--and delicious. Darn it.

OK, to keep me on track, and give you a few ideas, here's seven munchies that won't make you feel guilty later. Remember, the key to any snack is also moderation!

1. Roasted, unsalted nuts. My favorites are almonds and pistachios.
2. A sliced apple topped with natural peanut or almond butter.
3. A banana smoothie. Blend frozen banana slices and soy milk in the blender and sip!
4. Dried fruits processed without sugar. Try raisins, cranberries, papaya or banana chips.
5. A hard-boiled egg.
6. Low-sodium string cheese. Check out the new, weird cheddar/mozzarella twists!
7. Whole-grain pita chips and hummus.

What are your go-to munchies?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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Dip It! 3 Healthy Dips for Snacktime

Salsa! Photo by Morguefile

Eating clean and healthy takes willpower. When it comes to snacking, I sometimes fail. A handful of chocolate chips is much easier to grab than washing, chopping and preparing a plate of raw veggies.

So, to keep things easy, a few of my go-to snacks are dips!

Skip the ranch and sour cream. Instead, whip up these three dips to enjoy with tortilla chips, baby carrots or pita bread wedges.

1. Salsa: Create a blend of finely chopped tomatoes, bell peppers and onions. I like to also add fresh garlic and herbs like cilantro or parsley. Check out my recipe for 5 Minute Rainbow Cilantro Salsa.
2. Hummus: As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for ways to boost my protein intake. A bowl of fresh chickpea-based dip called hummus is the way to go. I always add more lemon juice than the recipe calls for because it's sooo yummy!
3. Avocado Dip: My favorite dip is avocado. Sure, the green fruit is high in fat, but it's unsaturated, so eat avocado as a snack once in while, and you'll be fine. Check out my recipe for Healthy Avocado Dip.

What types of dips you like to snack on?

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

PS: This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Each day during April (excluding Sundays) I will be posting a blog related to a specific letter of the alphabet. Stop back tomorrow to keep up with what I've got cooking!

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