Related Posts with Thumbnails

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Pin It: Ten healthy snack ideas

When you're trying to diet, hunger seems to intensify, at least for me. And the more I workout, the hungrier I get.


The first switch happens in my head...it's not a diet; it's eating well. And in eating well, I live well. I feel better about myself and my choices. I am more eager to work out. I feel great, and my overall outlook on life is improved.

It's important that when I eat, I go for something healthy, and, just like with breakfast (see easy, healthy breakfast ideas here) planning is half the battle. If I have go-to snacks that are prepped or portable, there's no excuse for me to choose poorly.

Here are some of my favorites.

1. Raw almonds--there are about 24 in an ounce, one serving size. If you have a kitchen scale, even better. Knowledge is power. Add an apple or a clementine for a bit of sweetness.

2. Protein bar. Quest protein bars are my favorite. They are high protein (20g) and high fiber (17-18g) and low sugar (1g). They're not coated, so they don't melt. They're fabulous warmed up and there's even a peanut-butter cup option that is better than the real thing. Available online, at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe...watch for sales...they're worth every penny.


3. Nut butter balls...easy and yummy...get the recipe here.


4. Apple and 2 tablespoons of all-natural (no sugar) peanut butter.

5. Hummus and veggies. Or, you can mix dry ranch dip into plain Greek yogurt. and make a dip for those veggies. Or use salsa.

6. Peanut butter & banana shake up. Slice a banana and put it in a zipper-lock-style bag. Add 2 tablespoons of PB2 and shake it up. Enjoy! This works with sliced apple too. This is one of my favorites.



7. Trader Joe's goat cheese medallions with veggies or a Wasa crisp. Creamy and indulgent.


8. Roasted chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 450. Rinse and dry a can of chickpeas. Mix seasoning with a tablespoon of olive oil and mix to coat. Put on a cookie sheet and roast 20-25 minutes. Be careful towards the end...they can burn. Experiment with seasoning...cinnamon-sugar, salt and pepper, tamari...anything you want that sounds good. Make it yours.

9. Fat free or low fat cottage cheese, plain or with pineapple or Greek yogurt, topped with 1/4 cup frozen wild blueberries, a half ounce of chopped walnuts or pecans, a tablespoon or so of low-sugar craisins, and a tablespoon or so of chopped dates. You can mix up the toppings...this is what I like.

10. Piece of toast with 1/4 mashed avocado, salt and pepper (or 100-calorie pack guacamole)

BONUS: Deviled egg (no yolk)--egg white stuffed with hummus or guacamole.

Good luck with the resolve to eat healthier. Eat well, live well.  






22 comments:

  1. Awesome, thanks for the tips!!
    I'm interested most in those roasted chickpeas. c:

    <3
    Harlynn
    www.mindyourmadness.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Harlynn,
      I love them. My go to is cinnamon and splenda for munching, or I put them on salads (if I do a savory like sea salt). Enjoy!

      Delete
  2. Great ideas - so doing some of these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Vanessa! Come back and let me know your favorites. Cheers!
      PS--Still smiling that you're back and blogging. :-)

      Delete
  3. The nut balls look good! Thanks! I pinned!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Momma Lew! I love them. I always used the dried milk, peanut butter and sweetener, rolled in sesame seeds or wheat germ. If your kids don't mind sticky hands, they'll have a blast rolling them too. Enjoy and thanks so much for visiting!

      Delete
  4. I think you nailed it there. I eat more when I am working out more too, but we need to. The key is eating well and not eating junk - love your choices! My daughter is a guacamole fiend, so I am constantly making it! Actually all the kids love it...it lasts for about two minutes in our house!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Michelle. Thanks for your feedback. For me, the key is in planning. If I leave little to chance, I'm more likely to make better decisions. Your kids have great taste...guacamole is a keeper. :-) Thanks again for your visit and comments. Happy New Year!

      Delete
  5. Great tips. The banana shake mix sounds intriguing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, thanks for your visit and feedback. :-) I like the banana wuth the chocolate infused PB2 too. It's an indulgent treat. Enjoy! Happy New Year! Please visit again soon.

      Delete
  6. Some great ideas...that PB2 is good stuff. Found it last year I think at Whole Foods. Always good to get some fresh ideas.
    www.glamamamasgoodies.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love PB2...some GNCs have it and the Super Walmart near us has it for about $5. Amazon also has good prices for the big bags. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-) Please visit again soon.

      Delete
  7. Hi Kelly! I really loved this post and found you on the Let's Be Friends Blog Hop! Your grape champagne pic hooked me! That sounds really good right now (I know, it is midday!).

    Tiffany @ The Dwelling Tree (www.thedwellingtree.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tiffany! Thank you so much! I am a follower of yours...that's how I found your blog hop. The grapes are a lovely New Year's Eve tradition in Spain...such a nice way to welcome the new year. Thanks again for visiting. Please visit again soon, and if you like what you see, please follow and share. Happy New Year!

      Delete
  8. I'm over the moon for raw almonds as a snack. I get 10 lbs from CA on Amazon for $45.00. Not too shabby!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah! That's a good price! I love almonds in all forms...roasted, tamari roasted, raw, slivered, sliced, almond milk in my shakes...you name it. :-) Thanks so much for the Amazon tip and for your visit. Please visit again soon. Happy New Year!

      Delete
  9. These are great snacks! I've been trying to snack more health consciously this winter, and this is really helpful!

    Sarah
    aroseinthecity0.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for your visit and for your feedback! Wishing you the best of luck on your health journey. Please visit again soon, and if you like what you see, please follow and share. :-)

      Delete
  10. Thank you for linking up at the Blog Strut Blog Hop! I can't wait to see what you link up next week! I would love for you to hop over anytime to Apeekintomyparadise.com and link up with the parties I co-host throughout the week!
    Have a terrific weekend!
    Cathy
    APeekIntoMyParadise.com
    #blogstrutbloghop

    ReplyDelete
  11. These all sound so delicious! Thank you for sharing this with recipe writers this month!

    Amanda Rose
    sewmuch2say.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda! Thanks so much for the opportunity! :-)

      Delete