Want to reduce a few pounds? Need to cut out snacks? I don’t think so! There are many studies that have proven the advantages of eating healthy snacks throughout the day.

Now, I don’t mean grazing like a cow would do, and, unfortunately as many people choose to do, but low calorie healthy snacks in moderation actually keeps your metabolism active throughout the day and food keeps producing energy so you remain more productive.

As life gets busier and we give tremendous effort in balancing life, work and recreation, many people have turned to fast food out of a can, box or bag, or they frequent drive through windows at the local fast food joint.

Over the past couple of years, there’s been an increased awareness for eating healthy foods, but many are still prone to grabbing a quick unhealthy snack just to feed the roaring tiger deep in the pit of their stomachs.

There are many no calorie, low calorie, and even negative calorie foods that are healthy snacks and easy to prepare. The key to success is preparing them in advance, before you are hungry!

Once you hit the point of hunger or craving a snack, it's too easy to reach for anything that will satisfy that impulse. So, plan ahead.

Negative calorie foods require more energy to digest them than they contain, so they are perfect for those looking to shed a few pounds or maintain their healthy weight.

Keep in mind; they do take some effort to prepare, but not a lot. If you want to be fit and healthy, it is well worth the little effort it takes. Here are just a few quick healthy snack ideas that won’t pack on the pounds, but will keep the metabolism working, and keeps up the energy level throughout the day:

Fruits:

• apple
• cranberries
• grapefruit
• lemon
• mango
• orange
• pineapple
• raspberries
• strawberries
• tangerine

Vegetables:

• asparagus
• beet
• broccoli
• cabbage (green)
• carrot
• cauliflower
• celery
• cucumber
• green beans
• lettuce
• papaya
• radishes
• spinach
• turnip

My personal favorite: dill pickles but they do contain a lot of sodium

With rising obesity concerns in children, adolescents and adults, these are simple snack ideas for the whole family.Working at an elementary school I was shocked at the junk food that parents send with their children to school, yet still expect high productivity out of their children.

Some school lunches were packed with carbohydrates, calories, sugar, and sodium.Now, I’m not a proponent of putting children on “diets” per se to lose weight, but I am saying that sending healthy school snacks can help students also become more productive in their school day and avoid obesity.

Making simple adjustments in the family food plan can help everyone remain more alert and productive throughout their day. Easy healthy snacks are definitely worth taking the time to prepare and pack for work and school.

Healthy snacks also help strengthen the immune system which allows the body to replenish and restore itself properly, contributing to overall better health and fitness.