Baba Ganoush Recipe

Low-carb snacks are often higher in protein and lower in calories and sugar than high-carbohydrate snacks. This combination of nutrients allows you to control hunger and maintain energy without gaining weight.

While there is no specific definition for labeling a food “low-carb,” these snacks get the majority of their calories from lean protein, dietary fiber and heart-healthy fat. Prep these easy low-carb snacks so you can grab one quickly when hunger hits.

• ¼ cup of part-skim ricotta topped with ¼ of a chopped avocado and a pinch of salt and pepper. Carbohydrates: 6.9 grams

• ¼ cup chickpeas mixed with 1 sliced green onion and 1 tablespoon of celery. Drizzle with lemon juice. Carbohydrates: 17.1 grams

• ½ cup plain yogurt blended with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and few drops of vanilla extract. Carbohydrates: 13 grams

• ¼ cup cucumber slices with one serving of tuna salad (Try our tuna salad from this recipe). Carbohydrates: 2.8 grams

• ¼ cup Baba Ganoush with 3 ounces baby carrots. Carbohydrates: 16 grams

• ½ cup shredded cabbage topped with 1 serving low-sodium honey and mustard dressing and 1 teaspoon chopped unsalted cashews. Carbohydrates: 9 grams

• ¼ cup black beans mixed with 2 tablespoons bell pepper, 1 tablespoon red onion and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Carbohydrates: 12.8 grams

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.