No matter what time of year, it can be hard to find a moment to make a health-conscious snack; especially when grabbing that bag of chips is a whole lot easier. We find ourselves bogged down with work deadlines, family responsibilities, or social commitments and preparing elaborate meals or snacks may not come as easily. Yet healthy snacking is important amid the hustle and bustle because it is a great way for us to stay energized and remain productive throughout the day. FOOD IS FUEL.
Why Healthy Snacks?
You may want to try to avoid snacking and stick to three meals a day, but don’t stress! Snacking isn’t necessarily a problem and can help you stick to a rounded diet. As long as you are conscious about what you intake, it can be a great way to fuel your mind and body.
Consider choosing nutrient-dense foods that offer a blend of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. These can work together to make you feel fuller longer and prevent temptation. Whether you are out of the lake all day during this summer heat or at your desk for the week, you want the energy to make it through the day!
Look at these two fantastic recipes to help you get started with healthy snacking: Cucumber & Cream Cheese or Avocado and Sunflower Seeds.
Planning Healthy Snacks
The key to healthy snacking is PLANNING! Prepare your snacks in advance. Whether that means chopping up vegetables, portioning out nuts, or making fun mason jar parfaits, do it. Also, don’t forget the easy to carry-consume snacks such as fresh fruit! A banana is pre-packaged by nature and very convenient.
Another avenue we could explore is protein dense snacks such as apples with peanut butter, cheese and crackers, or cottage cheese. Protein is what will help you feel fuller for longer. But make sure you read the labels if you are bringing along packaged snacks to avoid all the added sugars that will make us crash faster!
Prepping your snacks ahead of time will save you in the long run.
Instead of worrying about what to eat or standing in front of a vending machine debating your options, you will already have something in hand! Not only that, but you will stay on track with any fitness or health goals because that will have been considered in the planning portion; whereas a fast grab for the office donuts can have you worried afterwards after brief satisfaction.
Stay Balanced
Healthy, fast snacking is a powerful habit to work towards, but it is still important to strike a balance and enjoy an occasional treat. Give yourself the flexibility to enjoy your favorite snack. Be mindful about what you eat, and the rest will follow.
Remember, keep it simple and make choices that align with your journey and well-being. If you are looking for specific information or have a condition/take medication, see a registered dietitian or nutritionist!
If you are on vacation but still want to do some healthy snacking, read the following blog about vacation snacks!
Thank you for taking the first step in your journey to feeding yourself well and changing your snacking habits.
Taking time to eat healthy IS HARD but once you start doing it, it becomes a lifestyle AND it all starts with choosing the right snacks.
Learn more, love yourself more, and reach out!
And as always, if you are struggling to engage fully in your life and would like to see how psychology might be able to help you contact me today!
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