If you have a craving for a specific food, it can be hard to turn away from the unhealthy choices around every corner. We know that eating whole, nutrient-dense foods can improve health (both mentally and physically) and increase performance output – but how can we decrease or eliminate those cravings while still fueling appropriately?
Thankfully, there are many snack choices that you can pick from to satisfy cravings and give your body the energy it needs to perform at its best. If you have the opportunity, try and pair your snacks; a carbohydrate with a protein is an excellent idea to have the energy you need and the ability to rebuild muscle after your daily activities.
Before we dive into some low-calorie snack ideas that can help satisfy those cravings you may have, let’s quickly discuss one of the best things you can do to combat hunger!
Water Consumption
Let’s face it – water is one of the quickest and easiest ways to stay hydrated. Hydration is vital in combating cravings and can help you feel more full before meals. In general, most adults need to aim to drink at least half their body weight in ounces of water each day – and this doesn’t include times of strenuous workouts or working outside in the heat, which would require a greater intake of fluids.
For example, if someone were 200 pounds, 100 ounces of water would be an ideal daily goal. As always, speak with your physician to ensure adequate hydration levels.
Low-Calorie Snack Options
While the following list is only a tiny preview of what you can utilize to curb those cravings, speak with your PCP or even a local dietitian or nutritionist if you want to narrow down your macros and determine what foods can be the best to fuel you for your own personal goals and health.
Apples and nut butter
You can slice your apples and drizzle your nut butter of choice on top of your favorite snack! Don’t peel your apple! Add nutritious toppings like hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips.
Veggies and guacamole
Slice up some carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, radishes, and cucumbers, and dive into a serving of guacamole! Healthy fats from the guac can help keep you full and provide beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Greek yogurt and fruit
Greek yogurt can be an excellent vessel for multiple fruits, nuts, and seeds – and can provide the protein and healthy fats needed to stay full and energized! Other toppings such as nut butter or honey can also be added to yogurt.
Ants on a log
Similar to the apples above, but now you’re using celery! Peanut butter or a nut butter of your choice can be spread on celery, and the “ants” are raisins!
Popcorn with spices
Air-popped popcorn is ideal, and you can add any variety of seasonings you want. Are you looking for a bit of a sweeter bite? Add a dash of cinnamon to your popcorn – delicious!
Carrots and hummus
A fiber-packed combination that can help keep you full while also giving you a satisfying crunch.
Snacking Tips
When choosing your snacks, it’s easy to grab something quick and easy – and while several snacks might take a bit of prep work initially, they’ll be more healthy in the long run! Try and avoid prepackaged or processed snacks or ones that are overly high in sugar or salt. Whole, nutrient-dense snacks can help fill you up for longer and aid in curbing any cravings you may have.
Determine (before you have your snack) if you are hungry or not! It’s easy to nibble on foods here or there throughout the day, especially if the food is available at hand. However, staying on top of drinking your water and having pre-planned snacks will help keep your eating habits on track and can help you from going too long in between meals.
Lastly, before you have your snack, ask yourself if you are truly hungry – or maybe you’re thirsty, stressed out, overloaded, or possibly even bored! Determining why you’re reaching for what you are craving for can be a big step in knowing if your cravings are actual hunger cues or if other distractions (drinking water, going for a walk, reading for a few minutes) can take the craving away!
