We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are. ~Adelle Davis
Eat the colors of the rainbow everyday-and I don’t mean skittles!I love snacks, and as a matter of fact, my body needs snacks. Part of a balanced, healthy diet is snacking. If we only eat three meals, then our body will not have the fuel it needs to keep our metabolism going. Also, not eating enough of the right things can keep you from shedding unwanted pounds.
A typical day for me is: breakfast, AM snack, lunch, PM snack, dinner, and a after dinner treat if needed. With a minimum of six small meals, and sometimes seven, I cannot use hunger as an excuse to eat. Any other excuse to eat besides legitimate hunger is just a bad one! So, on a typical day for me, below are some of my favorite snacks to keep this fat gene girl living in a skinny jean world.
1. A small handful of nuts and organic dried cranberries. I love sweet and savory food, and the only thing better is to mix the two-yummy! I love the Planter’s pre-made can of nuts that is The South Beach Variety. I like these because they are lightly salted, and I know I am getting all the varieties that are best for my body. There is also a digestive health variety and a heart smart variety. Any of these are probably all fine. Just read your labels. Every morning I fix a snack size baggie with a mixture of my nuts and organic dried cranberries. I carry it in my purse all day. That way if I get in a bind and need a little fuel, I have it right there. Now, I caution you about this. This does not mean eat the whole bag. A small palm full should be your guide. If you eat larger portions you will not loose the weight, and you are only going to train your stomach to need more.
2. A whole wheat tortilla warmed and spread with a tablespoon of low fat chunky or creamy peanut butter or almond butter. You can have it just like this, or add HALF a sliced banana to it with a DRIZZLE of Agave Nectar. I only recommend this as a morning snack because of the carbs and higher glycemic index of the banana. Also, maybe try this as a morning snack after you had a breakfast with few carbs and more protein. This is a sweet, creamy and delicious snack that is sure to not disappoint!
3. A low fat cheese stick. I love the Sargento Colby Jack mixture. Also, I LOVE the low fat jalapeno cheese flavors. These are so good and make a great snack for on the go when you cannot prepare something.
4. Another one of my most favorites is a piece of reduced fat whole wheat bread, (try NAtures Own Whole Wheat Reduced Fat@ only 40 calories a slice). Toast the bread and spread with a tablespoon of hummus, (I love the roasted rep pepper flavor, but any one you like will do). If you like cheese, add a thin slice of your favorite reduced fat cheese, (I use low fat swiss), to the top and enjoy. This is definitely a creamy and decadent snack that I adore! Be sure and toast it to melt the cheese! Also, if you had a breakfast heavier in carbs, and you plan on having a sandwich for lunch, you may want to skip a snack that has bread in it too. Use this for days you had a protein breakfast and are planning on a salad or something minus bread for lunch.
This is a serving for 2--yummy!
5. I alos love herbal, decaffeinated teas. These are good for those night time cravings and they come in many different flavors. I really like the peppermint favor. It tastes clean, fresh and it really does a good job of satisfying my cravings.
6. A Starbucks Tall, Skinny Vanilla Latte–what a dream. This is definitely one of my favorites, and I especially love it on a chilly day. It is a great way to satisfy a sweet craving and not cramp compromise your waistline. Starbucks makes a lot of different flavors and any of he skinny varieties are fine. Just keep it small, and only one!
7. Raw veggies and hummus. I love hummus, and I love it on raw veggies. Pick any that your like and a 1/4 cup of hummus. You will feel so fresh and healthy after eating this snack-I promise. I especially love my hummus with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and bell pepper strips. Hummus comes in multiple flavors too, and this will help prevent boredom.
These are my top 7 favorite snacks that help me stay thin and keep my cravings at bay. I want to hear what yours are. Share the love friends! Until next time friends, happy healthy eating!
