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Why are low fat snacks even necessary, some people might wonder. In a world with rising rates of cardiovascular disease incidence and diabetes prevalence, we truly need to watch what we eat, more than ever. It is not advisable to avoid snacking on the whole, since snacks are sometimes what we need to keep going throughout the day. People who advocate giving up snacking obviously have not seen the statistics in the United States alone. Up to 90% or more of Americans eat additional foods besides the three main meals per day. As such, snacking is not something that can just be banned from an individual’s meal plan. However, it can be regulated and planned to make sure it serves as a compliment to our main courses and is healthy.

Planning

Always read the labels for potential low fat snacks so you can identify which ones are good for you and which ones you should avoid. It is not just about choosing a low fat snack—if there are no fat-free ones—but also about choosing a low fat snack that has healthier components. These components will be low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, cholesterol, carbohydrates, sugar, and calories. They could be high in fiber and protein. If you know how many calories and grams of carbohydrates, fat, and protein you can consume on a daily basis, use this information to select the ideal snacks.

Avoid Crisps and Chips

You should also steer clear of all the crisps and chips that you see in the store. If you have to purchase these items, select the baked instead of fried versions. It would be better, of course, to go with something that is not pre-packaged; i.e., for instance, fresh fruit and vegetables and whole-wheat. If this is not possible you could consider low fat and sodium whole-wheat crackers (if compatible with your meal plan) or other similar snacks.

Salads and Lean Protein

Another great idea is to eat salads that feature healthy fruits and vegetables and very little dressing. These are good for keeping hunger at bay and also have that element of “crunch” that is sure to satisfy some people’s snacking needs. Other low fat snacks you could consider are lean meats such as turkey, fish like tuna, and maybe beef jerky. An unorthodox option would be tuna tartare flavored lightly with wasabi, touched up with celery or leek for crunchiness, and then tossed with other greens.

As mentioned earlier, the best low fat snacks are still just fresh fruits and vegetables. However, if you want to add variety to the mix, you should consider mixing them. Locate a few recipes online for fruit and vegetable blends you can use to create smoothies and other low fat snacks. For more variety, you could ask your nutritionist and friends for more ideas and suggestions. The key is to come up with several low fat snacks you can use to supplement your daily meals.