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Mercy dietitian Michelle Bravo, RD, LD, CDE

Mercy Dietitian Michelle Bravo, RD, LD, CDE, Discusses Top Low-Carb Snacks On WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor"

Since snacking can sabotage even the most careful dieter's eating plan, Mercy dietitian Michelle Bravo recently provided insights into top healthy, low-carb, low-calorie snacks.

There are many things to choose from when it comes to snacks, but if you're not careful, your snack can turn into the caloric content of an actual meal.

"To me, smart snacking is a snack that not only holds you over until the next meal, but also satisfies you and tastes good," Bravo said.

Good snack choices are about 100 to 150 calories and relatively low in carbohydrates.

No. 1 on the list: fruit. One medium-sized piece of fruit or a cup of berries will work.

"If you can find one that looks like a tennis ball, that's a good rule of thumb," Bravo said.

No. 2: About six ounces of any light yogurt.

"I really like the Greek yogurt," Bravo said. "It has double protein, and carbs are comparable."

No. 3: One Smart Pop 100-calorie minibag of popcorn.

No. 4: One ounce of multi-grain Tostitos chips and 1/2 cup fresh salsa.

No. 5: An ounce of raw almonds and an orange.

No. 6: A 1/4 cup of hummus and one cup of raw veggies, such as cherry tomatoes or baby carrots.

"That's a lot of carrots for only 25 calories," Bravo said.

No. 7: A no-sugar-added fruit and juice bar.

No. 8: About eight to 10 mini rice cake snacks -- caramel or ranch flavored. Bravo said they're good for quenching a craving for something sweet or salty.

"A serving is about seven pieces, about 60 calories and 15 grams of carbs," she said.

No. 9: About a half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese or a light string cheese with a piece of fruit or eight Wheat Thins.

If you like sweets, the No. 10 choice is eight Vanilla Wafers, which is a standard service size for the cookie -- unlike most other cookie options.

And last but not least? Chocolate.

While it might take some self control, three dark chocolate Hershey's Kisses will do the trick.

For more information and to view Michelle Bravo's interview with WBAL-TV11 online, visit this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/health/23508331/detail.html