5 things to eat when you can’t stop snacking

Midnight munchies? Boredom snacking? Oral fixation? Whatever you call it, we’ve all been there.

You’re not hungry, but you find yourself feeding the urge to keep your hands and jaws busy. And by the time you realize what’s going on, 1,500 calories have gone down the hatch and there’s an empty bag of potato chips on your lap.

Instead of denying your cravings (which is downright impossible), the next time you get that hand-to-mouth itch, turn to these healthy, satisfying and low-calorie snacks.

Edamame

Edamame, a delicious whole food, is easy to prepare and available at any grocery store. One, an 8-oz. steamable bag packs 13 grams of protein into only 140 calories. Sprinkle with sea salt and a little soy sauce to satisfy your salty craving.

Two, a single portion of edamame can take ages to eat. In fact, it can take the better part of a movie to pull the beans out of the pods with your teeth. Plus, the fiber is filling. By the time the bowl is empty, you’ll be satiated.

Tart cherries

Few snacks sound more refreshing than a bowl full of juicy, fresh cherries, right? Cherries contain anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that helps cut inflammation, and they’re low in calories at about 5 calories each.

If you’ve got some time to waste, cherries are a great snack. It can be an exercise in itself to de-pit them in your mouth. To ensure all the cherry flesh dissolves, leave each cherry pit in your mouth an extra 30 seconds.

Choose tart cherries over sweet, if you have the option — they’re higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the best ways to feed a snack attack. This whole grain is full of fiber, antioxidants, low in fat and gluten-free. Grab one popped kernel at a time to make a bowl last your entire movie marathon.

Just skip the microwave or movie theatre kinds. Air-popped contains a mere 30 calories per cup, unless you load it with butter or other toppings.

Toasted chickpeas

Chickpeas are known for their role in weight management and digestive health. But canned chickpeas are soft and tasteless. Take them up a notch by seasoning and toasting them in the oven.

One cup of chickpeas contains about 15 grams of protein and half the recommended daily value of fiber. And the more spice you add, the slower you’ll eat!

60% (or higher) cacao chocolate chips

Chocolate is usually considered off-limits for the diet-conscious, but not all chocolate is created equal.

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure. And unlike the sugary stuff in your typical bagged candy, 60% cacao chocolate is bittersweet, allowing you to eat slow and savor.

If you’re craving a rich and delectable snack, nibble on two tablespoons of chocolate chips. Go as dark as possible for the least sugar and fat and greatest health benefits.

What’s your go-to snack for beating the midnight munchies? Tell us on our Facebook page or in a comment below!