Ah the snack…the mini meal that sneaks itself between breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, pretending not to count towards your daily caloric intake.
Beware! Snacks often times are not so innocent. You may eat a fabulous breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, but those few brownies or package of potato chips in between
could push back all of your efforts. See snacks as an opportunity to keep
feeding your body nutritious food, not as a “break” that doesn’t really count.
As I have said before, everything we put into our bodies affects us, so let’s
give it the best fuel possible all of the time!
Here are some of my favorite snack options! As a general
rule, try and stick to things that either don’t have an ingredient label, or
have one where you know (and can pronounce) what each ingredient is!
-Fruits
·
Bananas – I have at least two a day, nice and
satisfying!
·
Grapes- best to have easily accessible in the
fridge if you need something to munch on
·
Clementines
·
Apples- apparently have a low glycemic index, so
help regulate sugar levels, keeping you satisfied for longer
·
Berries!
·
Pineapple
·
…you catch my drift
-Veggies!
·
Carrots
·
Celery
·
Half a sweet potato…with just pepper/spices!
·
A little spaghetti squash
·
Bell peppers
·
It goes on…
-Enjoy snacks with
hummus or salsa
-Tabbouleh!
- Kind Bars-
natural whole nut and fruit bars made with whole ingredients. Everyone can find
a flavor they like, and the nuts will keep you satisfied until your next meal!
-Almonds- the
package should just say almonds…no salt etc! Enjoy in moderation.
- A little whole
wheat bread or a small wrap- not white or refined
- Dark chocolate!
-Try and find a variety without all the milkfat etc. I love Endangered Species
and Enjoy Life Chocolate chips
- Oatmeal- my
favorite is Kashi Heart to Heart Golden Maple. (Only 160 calories) Going to
experiment with simple rolled oats too.
-Whole Foods 365-
Frozen Fruit bars. Basically all that are in these is fruit. Awesome,
delicious, refreshing. Strawberry is my personal favorite.
-Edamame-
non-gmo, organic!
-Try out your own
healthy baking!
- Substitute all
sugary drinks with water! Add lemon or fruits for flavor.
- Some processed things to enjoy in moderation/a pickle
·
Belvita
Breakfast Biscuits- basically a cookie, but made with rolled oats, real
blueberries, and zero hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, or high fructose
corn syrup! Not a bad option, comes in a variety of flavors and easy for on the
go.
· Veggie
Pirate’s Booty- When you need a salt fix, this stuff is pretty good! It’s
all natural, vegan friendly, baked, gluten and cholesterol free, made from
puffed rice, corn, and other veggies like spinach and kale. This stuff is
addicting, enjoy with caution.
-
Zen
almond pudding- again, processed so enjoy every now and then. But its
certified organic, dairy free, and a delicious chocolatey treat
I think that’s a good start for ideas
and inspiration. I hope you recognize some options you’d like and make some
swaps! Also, when you’re on the go, it helps to plan ahead! I usually always have a banana, kind bar, or apple with
me if I know I’m going to need a little boost of energy later on in the day,
and don’t want to succumb to an unhealthy choice...or starve.
Happy snacking! Enjoy feeling
lighter and more energetic throughout your day!
Be Well.
Love, Julie
