Super Snacks: Making the Right Decision at the Vending Machine

Sometimes you reach that afternoon lull and need a little bit of a pick me up. Where do you head? The candy machine. But don't be fooled; that glass window may be clear but it hides some very essential nutritional facts about the candy and snacks inside. 

So consider this a GPS to navigate through the candy machine. Here are the do's and don't's of CANDY MACHINES.

Something Sweet:

Skip: Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry

420 calories, 10g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 40g sugar

Pick: Fig Newtons

190 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat fat, 2g fiber

Something Salty:

Skip: Ruffles Original

160 calories, 10g fat, 3g sat fat

Pick:  Sun Chips Original

140 calories, 6g fat, 1g sat fat, 2g fiber

Something Chewy: 

Skip: Skittles 

250 calories, 2.5g fat, 2.5g sat fat

Pick: Dried Apricots (1/4 cup) 

78 calories, 0g fat, 4g fiber

Something Chocolate-y:

Skip: Twix

280 calories, 14g fat, 11g sat fat

Pick: Raisinets

190 calories, 8g fat, 2g protein

Something Crunchy:

Skip: Cracker Jack's (1 cup)

240 calories, 30g sugar

Pick: Nature Valley Granola Bar

180 calories, 6g fat, 0.5g sat fat, 2g fiber

Super Picks: The Laughing Cow Wedges Light Creamy Swiss

What were loving today...The Laughing Cow Wedges Light Creamy Swiss

We are in L-O-V-E with this decadently rich spreadable cheese. With just 35 calories and 1.5 grams of fat for 21 grams VS. the typical cheese spread's 80 calories and 4 grams of fat, you can savor cheesy awesomeness without adding to your waistline. The individual wedges are a perfect sized portion, not too big or small, and come 8 in a round, portable pack - making them easy to fit into even the tiniest fridge. They also last quite some time and pack the same tasteful creaminess of any full fat cheese.

We have so many ideas of how to pair your delicious cheese wedge and make a healthy snack or meal...

#1 Eat it plain

#2 Pair with crackers

Our pick, Special K multigrain crackers with 24 for just 120 calories

Another option: Glenny's Soy Crisps

Read more about Glenny's Soy Crisps and pairings for them in an earlier Super U blogpost

#3 Melt in a saucepan with veggies, pour in some egg whites and voila! Omelet!

#4 Mayo swap!!!! 

Replace these wedges on your baguette, breads, wraps etc. for the same smooth creaminess but an added flavored bonus

#5 Mix with avocado for cheesy guacomole

#6 Melt on pasta, top with Parmesan and a tbsp of whole milk/cream for fettuccine like dish wayyyy lower in calories and fat

#7 Toast whole wheat pita, spread with cheese, top with tomato sauce and basil for an easy peasy delicious low calorie pizza

 

Top with veggies for an added boost of flavor, texture and nutrients

For more fun ideas with Laughing Cow's Spreadable Cheese...check out Hungry Girl's plethora of ideas

Super Picks: Soy Crisps

What were loving today...Glenny's Multigrain Soy Crisps

With over 18 grams of whole grains, an impressive 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of dietary fiber and just 2 grams of fat in a perfectly portioned 120 calorie single serving bag, this delectible treat will replace any 'ole potato chip.

Looking to pair your crisps with something sweet?

Evenly spread 1 tbsp of all natural peanut butter (avoid the ones that have various preservatives) on to your circle crisps.

OR

Melt 20 chocolate chips in a microwave for 1-2 mins (making sure to stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning) and drizzle on to crisps.

Looking to pair your crisps with something savory?

Try smearing 1-2 oz of cheese (preferably Goat or the Laughing Cow Light Spreadable Cheese - both low in fat and calories) on to your crisps.

Check out the rest of Glenny's line of Soy Crisps and other flavorful products here.

Super Snacking: Portable Twosomes

Sometimes 3 square meals a day just won't cut it. We need snacks! But instead of stocking up on on-the-go baddies (chips, chewy candies and chocolate bars), try to reach for the goodies -- portable AND healthy. By combining healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates, these snacks won't weigh you down but will actually fuel you to keep going for longer...

5 easy, healthy AND portable twosomes to try:

1. Replace crunchy calorie bombs with a healthier crunch, try:

       Hummus + Carrots

2. Treat yourself to a disease fighting snack with a combo of protein and whole grains: 

          String Cheese + Crackers

3. Build your own mixed nuts: 

          Pistachios + Almonds

4. Something sweet:

Frozen Grapes + Pure Chocolate Chips

5. Get all the benefits of a meal with this snack: 

      Rolled Turkey Slices + Mustard

SUPER TIP: Remember food is fuel. Think of that the next time you reach for the candy bar. Feeding yourself candy and junk food provides no nutritional benefits and is simply empty calories. If you need to indulge, though, at least treat yourself to some home made or store made desserts. Avoid heavily processed foods at all costs.