Whether you want to slim down, or you just want to feel more energized throughout the day, healthy snacks at the right times can help.

Here are few ideas:

Lowfat yogurt with fresh fruit.

Fresh fruit. Apples, bananas, oranges, whatever’s on hand.

Apple with a (small) smear of nut butter. Venture beyond the usual peanut butter. Try almond butter and cashew butter, which are generally available right next to the peanut butter on grocery shelves.

Half a toasted whole wheat English muffin with a thin layer of your favorite nut butter.

Half a bagel with a thin layer of nut butter and thin apple slices on top.

Carrots or celery. If you are craving something to dip those raw veggies in, try a bit of hummus.

Hummus on a toasted pita.

A small handful of fresh nuts, mixed with a few dried fruits. I love to eat a dried cranberry or cherry with a toasted walnut. Yum! Again, nuts are good for you, but they are high in calories, so don’t eat very many.

Fruit smoothie. Take frozen blueberries and strawberries and blend with a banana and some milk or juice. Some people also love their green smoothies. Mix water, juice, water, fruit and add raw spinach – or another leafy green. Low fat and super healthy.

Make healthy mini muffins using applesauce in place of the fat (butter or margarine). You can also add shredded carrots as well as other fruits and vegetables such as bananas and zucchini.

Popcorn. (Unbuttered.) Air popped popcorn has no fat and can satisfy the munchies. If you really miss the buttery taste, try a spritz of olive oil instead.

If you’re trying to lose weight, remember that even if you choose snacks that are low in fat and healthy, you won’t lose weight if you are eating too much.

Here are some more resources on the Momscape site:
Fun Snacks for Kids: 10 Healthy Snack Ideas Kids Love
Frugal and Nutritious Snack Recipes for Kids
Eating Healthy on a Budget
Breaking an Addiction to Sugar: 16 Tips