Food for Thought

Friday afternoons in the office (well, most days after 3pm really) and people start calling across their cubicles for something sweet, something savory, just generally something that they can get their hungry mitts on...

Not wanting to blow your whole week's healthy eating and those early morning gym sessions (or in my case, power-walks... because I can't afford exy-gym fees), here are some options that will keep you going until dinner, but won't make you bloat!

Almonds 'n' apricots: high in protein and fibre but low G-I, take about 8 dried apricots and 20-odd natural almonds and you have a healthy snack topping out at 250 calories.
Yogurt 'n' honey: my fave... low-fat natural Greek yogurt, drizzled with a tablespoon of honey and you're maxing-out your cals at 140.
Apples 'n' pears: mix the two and you've giving yourself some variety, or split them over the course of your day, you'll feel the fibre and love their calorie-count, only 65 big-ones each!
Homemade berry-smoothie: keep away from sweeteners, both real and fake, add skim milk and real fruit and you're getting your fibre and dairy in one easy drink, about 200 calories.
Dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa): lowers your blood pressure and is full of antioxidants, and 20 gram bar contains less than 100 calories.
Peanut butter on crispbreads: take 2 teaspoons of organic peanut butter and spread'em on 2 rye crisp breads and you're in for a real treat, full of protein, good fats (yes, they do exist) and you're weighing out at only 180 cals.
Trail mix (minus the smarties, for the Americans amongst us!): mix your own seeds and raisins - think pumpkin and sunflower seeds - and a 3-tablespoon portion adds up to only 240 calories.
Grapes and cheddar: so for this one you have to resist the urge to down them with a nice glass of Chianti... but on their own this healthy treat is high in calcium and vitamins B2 and B12, and if you choose red-grape varieties you'll be upping your fibre intact as well, only 180 cals for a 30 gram chunk of cheddar and a handful of grapes.
Avocado on toast: if you ever visit NYC you HAVE to go to Cafe Gitane (my old waitressing haunt, deep-down in SoHo)... they make the best Av on toast ever... their secret? Organic wholegrain toast, and a sprinkling of lemon juice and chili flakes, one slice, with half and avocado has around 220 calories.
Hummus and crudités: make your own hummus with fresh chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice - and indulge in your delicious dip with some carrot sticks (high in beta-carotene), or potassium-rich celery, only 125 calories (based on 50 grams of dip).

So go on, snack and be happy!

(info thanks to realbuzz.com)