8 SIMPLE HEALTHY SNACKS

Hey friends!

I've been getting lots of questions about what to do when "hangry o'clock" hits, but it's not quite time for a sit down meal. 

​The truth is that snacks CAN 100% be a part of a healthy, balanced diet.  Particularly, when they are planned for and intentional vs. a graze-fest because we skipped a meal or forgot to pack a snack.  Here are a few important things to remember about snacks: 

• ​Snacks are functional - they're meant to bridge the gap between one meal and the next. 
• Snacks are NOT intended to fill you - but rather, take the edge off your hunger. 
• Snacks are like "mini meals" - they should also contribute nourishing foods to your day. (Also, they should have a "mini" amount of calories. For example... instead of an 800+ calorie cup of almonds, 1/4 cup for ~200 calories sounds much better for snack time!) 
• The most satisfying snacks typically PAIR low-fat protein WITH fiber - both of these nutrients will provide long-lasting energy.  Check out these super simple satisfying options below! 

1. D.I.Y. TRAIL MIX: Mix up your own yummy snack pack with your favorite whole grain cereal, unsalted nuts and/or seeds, & unsweetened dried fruit. 
   
   
2. AIR-POPPED POPCORN: It's crazy simple to pop popcorn kernels in a brown paper lunch sack - just fold over the top of the sack a few times before hitting microwaving for 1-2 minutes. I'm more of a savory person so I like adding Everything But the Bagel Seasoning or making this Nacho Popcorn flavor from Bob's Red Mill. 
   
   
3. WHOLE GRAIN CRACKERS + TUNA: It is possible to keep a satisfying and healthy snack in your office drawer. * enter tuna & crackers * Try to pinpoint crackers with "whole _____" listed in the Ingredients List. 
   
   
4. APPLE + NUT BUTTER: This really could be any fresh fruit plus your favorite nut butter -- such as banana + almond butter or blueberries + pistachio butter.  The key is just to keep it to 1 Tablespoon of nut butter. 
   
   
5. GRAPES + LOW-FAT CHEESE: Who says this combo is only good for wine night?!  Enjoy this simple yet satisfying pair on-the-go any day. 
   
   
6. YOGURT PARFAIT: No special container need for this fruit-filled snack! I like to add fresh cut fruit or berries straight into my single-serving yogurt and sprinkle it with a low-fat granola. 
   
   
7. COTTAGE CHEESE + VEGGIES: Take your raw veggies from bland to "OMG" good by dipping them in reduced-fat cottage cheese! You can even add in low-sodium spices to up the flavor. 
   
   
8. PITA + HUMMUS: Whether you go pita chip or pita bread, this dip-friendly snack will pick your energy levels up so you can conquer it ALL. 
   

Which healthy snack are you shopping for this week? 

xx

lindsey