The Snack-Food Hall of Shame

Maintaining a healthy diet doesn't mean you have to give up delicious snacks

When snacks attack

If you buy a snack at a fast-food restaurant or other convenience outlet, beware. Most take-out foods are much higher in fat and calories than you might think. For instance, a Carrot Walnut Spice Muffin at Au Bon Pain packs in nearly one-third the calories you need in a day and half the fat. To avoid these calorie traps when you're on the go, take healthy low-fat snacks such as fruits and vegetables with you. If you've got a healthy snack in the car, you won't be as tempted to purchase one of these.

You may be seduced by the sweet spice of this carrot muffin, but are the double-digit fat grams really worth it?

Au Bon Pain Carrot Walnut Spice Muffin

550 calories

27 grams of fat

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Oatmeal Carrot Raisin Bread

151 calories

3 grams of fat

You can have your cake and eat it too — if it's not high in fat! Indulge in these mouth-watering cupcakes as substitutes.

Dunkin' Donuts Chocolate Chip Muffins

590 calories

24 grams of fat

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Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes

166 calories

5 grams of fat

Most of us love chocolate chip cookies, but none of us love extra calories! Try a lower-calorie alternative for a classic cookie.

Mrs. Fields Semi-Sweet Chocolate & Walnuts Cookie

310 calories

16 grams of fat

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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

72 calories

3 grams of fat

You can chuck more than half of those fat grams and still indulge in a creamy, rich dessert.

Krispy Kreme Glazed Creme Filled Doughnut

360 calories

19 grams of fat

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Slice of Tiramisu

186 calories

8 grams of fat

Sweet tooth in the morning

Breakfast is an important meal of the day but some people tend to reach for a sweet treat to subdue hunger. The problem is, they're taking in more calories than are necessary. But when hunger strikes, and you need that sugar buzz remember there are always healthy alternatives for your sweet tooth in the morning.