Are you a sucker for snacks but feel guilty when you sneak that salty or savory treat?
Today, I'm sharing my favorite on-the-go treats without the guilt. Snacks are great especially when you snack right.
Are you a busy bee? Always go-go-go? Snacks are the easy solution for a quick fix when you need it. The problem many folks run into is waiting until they're desperate for it resulting in buying junk, processed foods that are temporarily satisfying with a long shelf-life of regret.
What is considered a junk snack? Foods that are processed, high in carbohydrates, have added sugar and/or salt, and lack nutritional value.
Regularly consuming these foods lacking in nutrients will harm your body, mind and overall well-being.
The quick spike in blood sugar from eating high carbohydrate and sugary foods can cause an insulin surge leading to a subsequent drop in blood sugar. These will leave you feeling tired, cranky and hungry for more...a viscous circle.
Did you know that junk food can be just as addictive as drugs?
The more we consume junk, the more our body craves it. The cycle can be real tough to break.
Here's a solution!
Stop eating junk. You're welcome.
Jokes aside...here's how.
If the snack's ingredient list could reach the moon, and the majority of it makes you feel like English is your second language put it down.
Here are some general snacking/ shopping tips.
1. The simpler, the better. 10 ingredients or less per nutrition label.
2. If you can't pronounce it don't pound it.
3. Stick to organic ingredients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These tend to cure hunger pains, leave you feeling satiated longer, improve digestion and keep you healthier.
4. Use health apps, like MyFitnessPal to keep you accountable and track intake.
5. Plan ahead. Keep healthy snacks on hand. When it comes to temptations remember, "Out of sight, out of mind."
And, finally, let me share some of my favorite go-to snacks! I find these give me increased energy, strengthen my productivity, and even spike my brain power!
1. Rice cake + 1 tbsp nut butter (ie. almond butter)
Sweat, crunchy and filling!
150 calories
4g protein
14.5g carbs
9g fat
2. RX Bars
Only 3-4 ingredients and no B.S - Egg whites, tree nuts and dates.
210 calories per bar
12g protein
24g carbs
7g fat
3. Organics Nut Mix
1/3rd of this package is more than enough to curve hunger.
This specific snack is high in good fat, great for those following a macro split allowing it.
370 calories
13g protein
32g carbs
24g fat
4. Fage Greek Yogurt 5% + sugar free syrup + 1/2 cup berries
There are 7 ounces per Fage travel pack and I prefer to add my own sugar free sweetness to limit added sugars.
225 calories
18.5g protein
16.5g carbs
10g fat
5. Avocado Toast
Easy, delicious, satisfying! My go-to bread brand is Dave's Killer Bread but there are plenty of nutritious brands to choose from. Personally, I spread no more than 1/2 an avocado per slice.
240 calories
6.5g protein
28g carbs
13g fat
6. Veggies + Hummus
1 cup of carrots and celery will go a long way and satisfy far longer than any bag of chips.
100 calories
4g protein
19g carbs
2g fat
7. Hard Boiled Eggs
Just two eggs are high in protein and a perfect snack between meals.
150 calories
13g protein
1g carbs
10.5g fat
8. Protein Power Balls - Get 20% off using code 'ALYGRAY'
Yes, I sponsor these, but no lie...they're amazing, and I eat them daily.
Gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan approved, and again...so damn tasty!
120 calories per serving
6g protein
10g carbs
6g fat
For additional help in the kitchen, connect with me for personalized nutrition plans and weekly coaching.
HAPPY SNACKING!!!
Comment below other blog topics you want to read about!