What snacks do you crave?

For some reason, I've been having alternate cravings for salty or chocolate foods lately. I don't like them combined - I'll pass on chocolate-covered pretzels any day - but separately they're on my top list of tastes to choose.

What to eat that isn't packed with saturated fat or calories? The salty part is easy: I really like V8 juice, and Triscuits thin crackers are one of my favorites. I even like salted green pepper strips! I'm having more trouble with chocolate, probably because our exchange student brought us a bunch of fabulous Ritter Sport chocolate, and once you've had the good stuff, you're hooked!

Then I remembered the Snack Swapper I created for iVillage.com/diet at http://diet.ivillage.com/snackswapper/0,,7k7xsw71,00.html You select the food you crave, such as chocolate, click on "go" and the results pop up on the screen. In this case, my suggestion is to eat small amounts of dark chocolate, which is higher in healthful antioxidants. OK, the Ritter Sport Bitter gets a thumbs up, as long as I make sure I savor just one piece.

Check out the Snack Swapper to find out healthier alternatives to some of your secret snack cravings. Then enjoy!