Who LOVES to snack? I know that I do, and I am often looking for quick, on-the-go snacks that I can put together in a pinch when I am running to my next meeting or getting to my workout. The problem is the easy snacks are rarely healthy, but they are abundant at the grocery stores. They tend to be high in calories and low in nutrients. I need a snack that is not going to hinder my health or performance; instead, I need a snack that gives me the fuel to get through all my meetings and still be able to perform highly at the gym and keep me satisfied until the next full meal.
Snacks should give you energy and nutrition. The brain needs energy to power through that huge project, your body needs energy to power through that intense meeting with that important client. Snacking is not discussed nearly enough, but it is very much needed for optimal performance throughout your days.
Here are a few ideas of what is healthy and the things to look for in a snack.
Think whole foods, try to avoid processed foods.
- Raw veggies and dip
- Vegetables are some of lowest calorie foods and highest nutrient foods, so eating vegetables throughout the day are a great way to get your nutrients as well as keep your calories low and bonus they will keep you full longer!
- Dips are just for flavor, try to stick to low fat and low sugar, I prefer hummus as it is a good source of nutrients as well as plant-based protein. I also enjoy the low fat, low sugar vegetable dips.
- Apples and low sugar peanut butter
- Low sugar peanut butter or nut butter is great for your healthy fats, it also has protein helping you get the fuel you need for your brain to get through the rest the day
- Apples are high in fiber and will help give you the energy to push through!
- Low-fat cottage cheese and fruit
- Low fat cottage cheese, is a great source of calcium as well as protein, giving you needed nutrients as well as getting you protein to get you to your next meal.
- Fruit is a great source of vitamins and fiber and great little sweet treat
- Small low sugar peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- A sandwich made with whole grain bread is a great easy filling snack that will hold you over for an extended period. Be sure to use whole grains and low sugar, you don’t want to have a sugar crash!
- Fruit and nuts
- Fruit is high in the vitamins you need, the more variety you have the better!
- Roasted Nuts are not only a great source of protein they also are great for your healthy fats.
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Reach out to me if you want to learn more about healthy snacks, and healthy eating.