3 Tips to Make Healthy Snacking Easier.
To snack or not to snack… one of the ongoing debates in the world of nutrition. I’m here to tell you that there’s NOTHING wrong with enjoying your snacks… and it’s also totally fine if snacks aren’t your thing. BUT, I will say from a nutritional stand point, that it’s important to keep your blood sugar level stable, and one key way to support that is by not going too long without eating.
Having a * healthy * snack can help ensure that your body and mind have the nutrients and fuel they need to continue with your day and all your daily responsibilities. When we go too long without food, especially if we haven’t had enough protein and/ or healthy fat, our blood sugar levels, energy and focus DROP and the moody and hangry version of us steps in.
There is of course a caveat :). As you know, an ice cream sandwich isn’t the same type of snack as raw trail mix, so take note that the quality and the actual ingredients do matter.
Here are a few tips to keep you snacking healthy, along with some of my favorite go-to choices:
Stock up on pre-packaged, individualized bags of snacks and keep them everywhere (car, office, bag)
These are so easy to keep on hand, because the work is done for you, and the pre-portioned size helps to reduce mindless eating. My favorites are individual bags of popcorn, trail mix, and cheese stick grain-free crackers.
Prepare bulk snacks for those things you make on your own:
Chop up a bunch of raw veggies and put them in Tupperware (or large zip lock bags!)- make it EASY to grab and go.
Create a large DIY trail mix with your favorite raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.), dark chocolate chunks and bit of dried fruit, like blueberries. Add a 1/4 cup scooper and easily have a snack on the go.
Whole Foods is a great place to get your nuts in bulk from their choose your own bins. Trader Joe’s is also great and has more reasonably priced nuts. (They also have individual bags of trail mix that you could go for instead.)
Go back to basics:
Don’t try and reinvent the wheel. A simple apple or banana and peanut butter, rice cakes and avocado or a yogurt and berries are simple, yet satisfying and healthy snacks and will help you feel your best.
