Healthy Snacks You Have At Home

Do you hate it when those hunger pains start in between meal times?  Or do you ever get the late night munchies but think I can't force down another rice cake?  Well you are in luck because there are lots of healthy snacks that you probably have sitting in your fridge and pantry, you just need to know what to do with them!  Here are some healthy snack ideas:

Great Fridge Finds.  Unless you never go grocery shopping, chances are pretty good that you have some great things in your fridge.  And if you never go grocery shopping then read this, make a list, and go stock up!  Nuts and nut butters have definitely made a comeback as a rich and nutritious food.  Just be aware of the portion size.   Keep it to two tablespoons of peanut butter.  Spread it on an apple, baby carrots or celery sticks to help you make it to dinner.  Natural peanut butter is best so grab some the next time you are at the store. 
Got salsa leftover from last nights Mexican night?  Pair it with some carrots or cucumber spears, its really good!  If you are really famished and have a can of beans, mix it up with a few tablespoons of salsa and eat it with a handful of tortilla chips or wrap it up in a tortilla and you have a great high fiber snack.

A Dozen Healthy Pantry pick me ups:
1.  Carrots-cut them into sticks and dip them into salsa, light salad dressing, yogurt dip or peanut butter.
2.  Bananas-on their own they are great but cut them up and throw them in a smoothie or freeze them for a fun treat and they are even better.
3.  Celery-they are as versatile as carrots but with even fewer calories.  And they are crunchy enough to help die hard chip fans get through their munchies.
4.  Cucumbers-slice them up and sprinkle them lightly with salt for a refreshing snack.
5.  Dried cereal-mix this up with nuts and dried fruit for a great after the gym snack.  Just make sure to keep your serving size to 1/2 cup.
6.  Nuts - Peanuts, almonds, pecans and other nuts can be tossed with dried cereal and raisins or mixed into a 6-ounce yogurt for a healthy bite.
7.  Orange juice/Other juices - If you have Popsicle molds or even just ice cube trays, pour in the juice and pop it in the freezer. In just a few hours, you'll have a cool and tasty refreshment.
8.  Peanut butter - Slather on an apple or to add a tablespoon or two to a smoothie for a protein-rich treat.
9.  Quesadillas - Use black beans or any other canned beans you have on hand. Add in a sprinkling of cheese, a dollop of salsa and you're in business.
10.  Raisins - sprinkle these high iron and fiber-rich gems into plain yogurt or mix with 1/3 cup of nuts for instant trail mix.
11.  Salsa - makes a great dip for veggies and also can be used on sandwiches as a low fat spread instead of mayo.
12.  Yogurt - If you have plain yogurt in the fridge, you're ready to go. Add some fresh herbs (parsley, dill or thyme will all work), along with a dash of salt and pepper, and you're set.