10 Convenient Low-Carb Snacks
You know a granola bar isn’t the most nutritious or weight-loss-friendly snack, but when you’re on the go, it’s a heck of a lot easier to eat than an egg omelet. Can a busy schedule and a low-carb diet really coexist?
Overview
You know a granola bar isn't the most nutritious or weight-loss-friendly snack, but when you're on the go, it's a heck of a lot easier to eat than an egg omelet. Can a busy schedule and a low-carb diet really coexist? The answer is yes, especially when you take advantage of the many prepackaged foods that deliver 10 grams or less of good carbs (like fiber instead of sugar) per serving, says Roberta Lee, M.D., integrative physician at the Center for Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Here are 10 superconvenient snacks you can grab and go, plus three fast and easy low-carb recipes anyone can make -- no cooking skills required.
1. Cottage Cheese and Berries
Sweet and savory while still keeping the carb count down? Yes, it's possible. Cottage cheese is a nutritious, low-carb staple. Three quarters of a cup with four thinly sliced strawberries supply 15 percent of your daily calcium needs and almost half of your vitamin C requirements. You can vary the flavors by swapping out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries, and also try seasoning with cinnamon or adding vanilla extract for extra sweetness. CARBS: 10 grams.
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2. Turkey Roll-Up
Prefer to make your munchies from scratch? Good idea: You'll know exactly what you're eating -- no added sugars, preservatives or other crazy ingredients you can't pronounce. Sharon Richter, a New York-based registered dietitian from HealthiNation, recommends turkey roll-ups as a simple snack you can prepare ahead of time and then stash in your bag for later. To make them her way, take a slice of turkey and wrap it around a pickle slice along with a very thin slice of avocado and tomato. The lean protein and monounsaturated fat combo will keep you feeling full longer -- and less tempted by the office vending machine. CARBS: 9 grams (for three roll-ups).
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3. Kefir Smoothie
Lifeway's BioKefir isn't quite a smoothie, but that's the best way to describe this dairy drink that looks, tastes and smells like one. Made of kefir, which is similar to yogurt but a richer source of live and active probiotics (the healthy bacteria that can boost the immune system and aid digestion), these 3.5-ounce shots have as much protein as a whole medium egg. Two flavors worth having on hand at home or work are BioKefir Blackberry, which contains 30 percent of your daily calcium needs, and BioKefir Pomegranate Blueberry, which meets 100 percent of your vitamin C needs. (lifewaykefir.com) CARBS: 10 grams.
Related: 19 Easy 100-Calorie Snacks
4. Ants on a Log
A childhood favorite is new again. For a quick, high-protein energy boost, try the totally portable ants on a log. Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and satiating protein. The key is to use natural peanut butter made with just peanuts (and salt, if desired) -- avoid butters with any added oils or sugar. Celery gives you a satisfying crunch, and the raisins add a touch of sweetness. CARBS: 10 grams (for two logs).
Related: 16 Diet-Friendly Healthful Carbs
5. Hummus
Forget the portion police! With Sabra's Classic Hummus Singles, it's OK to clean out the container in one sitting (something that's been known to happen when somebody cracks open the family-size version too). This two-ounce pack is just the right amount to satisfy a savory craving and keep you full until your next meal, especially when you use it as a dip for peppers or celery. (sabra.com) CARBS: 9 grams.
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6. Brewed Tea
It seems the health benefits of tea are never-ending. From improving exercise endurance to reducing the risk of heart disease, there are many reasons to make time for tea. If you enjoy iced tea, Takeya's Iced Tea Makers have made it even easier to brew your own quickly. And with flavors like Coconut Vibe and Hibiscus Pomegranate, your afternoon teatime will leave you satisfied without the need for petits fours. (takeyaUSA.com) CARBS: 0 grams.
Related: 16 Snacks That Are OK to Eat at Night
7. Edamame
It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare snack-sized servings of edamame for an entire week. Warm a package of shelled edamame according to the instructions on the bag. When the beans are done and have cooled, place half-cup servings, which contain only 8 grams of carbs, into separate ziplock bags. Registered dietitian Sharon Richter suggests adding to each a quarter of a cup of your favorite lightly salted nuts -- almonds, pistachios, cashews or walnuts. For an even easier recipe, just grab the frozen bag of soybeans on your way out the door. They'll be thawed by snack time. CARBS: 8 grams.
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8. Hard-Boiled Egg
A bodybuilder's go-to, hard-boiled eggs are perfect for anyone looking for an extra dose of protein. Eggs also offer a variety of nutrients, including choline, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin D, phosphorus, vitamin B12, folate, iron and vitamin A. To save time, boil a bunch of eggs at once and enjoy them throughout the week. They're an easy, portable snack, and by playing around with some spices, you can add a variety of flavors. Try topping with pepper, sea salt, paprika or chili powder. CARBS: 0 grams.
Related: 18 Paleo Snacks Under 200 Calories
9. Portable Cheese
Remember how your mom used to put string cheese in your lunch box? The classic protein snack we once loved to pull and peel is still a great on-the-go option for both kids and adults. And good news: The recipe has improved over the years. Laughing Cow Mini Babybel cheese wheels come in many varieties -- there's even a light version. Keep a stash in your office fridge for a satisfying midmorning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up. (LaughingCow.com) CARBS: 0 grams.
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10. Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios and More
Whether you opt for one of the 100-calorie packages on the market or try it DIY-style, nuts are the perfect snack for anyone following a low-carb diet. All nuts are a great source of heart-healthy fats and protein, but the type and amount of nutrients differ between each one. Almonds are known for their vitamin E and walnuts for their omega-3 fatty acids. Pistachios have two eye-friendly nutrients -- lutein and zeaxanthin. To create your own 100-calorie pack, add 13 almonds, 30 pistachios or eight walnuts to a ziplock bag. When eating nuts, choose dry-roasted ones -- and be mindful of flavored nuts and their ingredients, which can jack up the carb count quickly. CARBS: 4 grams (almonds), 5 grams (pistachios), 3 grams (walnuts).
What Do YOU Think?
Do you follow a low-carb diet? What are some of your favorite snacks? Any good ones that we missed on our list? Let us know by leaving a comment below. We're always looking for new ideas.
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