American’s are known as a snacking nation. The trend to eating every few hours has really caught fire. If you are going to snack you certainly want them to be healthy snacks that are also quick, easy, and affordable.
The fitness industry suggests people to eat every couple of hours to keep their metabolism going. Although this may be true, if it is not done correctly, it can easily derail your health goals.
You want to be assured that all of your snacks contribute to your health as opposed to taking away from your health.
One health trap that consumers fall into is buying food that is marketed for snacking. Whole foods that are fresh and not out of a package are best. Even leftovers can act as a quick snack.
Try to avoid bars, candy, and sugary snacks or crackers filled with white flour. Try grabbing some fruit or cut up veggies instead. The trick is to have them prepackaged ahead of time, this is where an ounce of prevention comes in handy.
Before you even start your week, have some chopped veggies prepared in advance and put into little baggies as well as portioned out snacks in containers. Some of my favorite go-to fast snacks are fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds.
I prepare a bunch of protein balls to keep in the fridge to grab-and-go. Chia pudding cups, which can be eaten for snacks are also a great breakfast option as well. Protein is great for muscle recovery, concentration and helps to make you feel full longer.
When shopping for snacks think fresh. One way to assure this is to shop the perimeter of the store first, this is where the freshest food resides. When shopping in the inner isles, have a shopping list in hand and stick to the necessary items on your list.
Try to avoid snacks that come out of a bag, box or can as they are not as high in nutritional value. If you must purchase something pre-packaged, make sure you recognize every single ingredient on the box or bag and aim to find snacks that have 7 ingredients or less.
In general is it necessary to snack? This is a great question and one where I would ask you to tune inwards. Ask yourself why you are eating. Are you genuinely hungry or are you in need of something else? Maybe it is water, exercise, a good stretch, fresh air, or simply a hug.
If you determine that you are indeed hungry, eat, slow down and savor every bite. Food is meant to be enjoyed! Many of us fall into a trap of either shaming ourselves about eating or perhaps are distracted and just not thinking about it at all.
Food is necessary for all of life. Eat like a king in the morning a queen at lunch and a peasant at dinner.
Calories are a unit of measure for energy. You need more calories during the day when you need more energy. Ironically most people eat the majority of their calories at night when they are getting ready for bed.
Snack, if needed, in-between meals and learn how to relax and enjoy your food again.
Here are three easy snack recipes that have the added benefit of being a breakfast food as well! Enjoy!
3 Healthy And Filling Snack Recipes
1. Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup nut milk
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or shake of stevia
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
Directions
- Add the ingredients to a jar, shake, store in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Give a shake every once in a while, so the seeds do not clump.
- Can eat for a snack, breakfast or on the run, can top with coconut, chopped fresh fruit, whatever!
The chia seeds are a GMO and gluten-free whole grain filled with fiber, protein, and loads of Omega 3’s. The cocoa powder is a superfood filled with anti-oxidants and minerals.
2. Fake Out “Yahoo” ™
Ingredients
- 1 cup nut milk
- 2 dates
- 1 tbsp Hemp seeds
- 2 or 3 shakes cinnamon
- 2 tsp cacoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup ice
Directions
- Blend all the ingredients. You can double or triple and add to mason jars for week.
- You can sneak in greens or add protein powder for extra nutritional boost.
The dates in this recipe are filled with fiber and are an excellent source of minerals, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. The hemp seeds are high in omega 3’s and 6’s which help balance hormones while the cinnamon helps lower blood sugar.
3. Raw Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Balls
Good source of protein and omega’s, great to have before or after a workout. It is also great for children in order to boost their cognitive powers and concentration before a big test or study session.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, raw honey or pinch of stevia
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (70% cacoa)
- Protein powder (optional)
Directions
- Mush together and roll into balls, then refrigerate.
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which helps to reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol). While the coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat, which increases your HDL (good cholesterol).
Adding in the peanut or any other nut butter boosts the protein in this snack while the raw honey adds amino acids, minerals and 5,000 enzymes! This snack gives quick energy while helping digestion.
Aim for three healthy meals a day and instead of eating prepackaged snacks give these recipes a try instead. Remember, healthy begins in the kitchen!
