Sunday, February 5, 2012

Healthy Snack Ideas!

We've all had those days. Whether you're a busy mom, college student, working two jobs (etc), we've all encountered the moment where we are attacked by that familiar little feeling. I like to call it hunger. And what is the only thing nearby? A vending machine. Or maybe, if you get lucky you'll be in your car passing a Mcdonald's. Or KFC. Because I  love some Kentucky Fried Chicken.

But have no fear.

This post is designed to help you plan ahead for those times! Healthy snacks to prepare at home, or on the go. Your problems will be solved! Well, at least any problems relating to hunger anyways.

(*disclaimer* I am not in any means saying those fast food chains/vending machines are bad to have. There are definitely some healthier choices on the menu, and I am a strong believer in moderation. This post is just to help out those that would love to plan ahead with a healthier snack on hand :)

1. & 2. Apples and Bananas: Both are super portable fruits. SO easy to just slide in your purse or lunch bag. Both are in that 80-100 calorie range, and if you'd love a little more flavor I know they have reduced fat peanut butter "cups" to go! Both also have around 3-5g of fiber each.
3. Applesauce: A non-perishable way to get your daily dose of fruit. For the healthy option, go for the unsweetened or no sugar added kind.
4. Kale Chips: Easily one of the healthiest snacks out there! If you are always in a time crunch and don't want to make your own, Kaia foods has incredible all-natural packaged options.
5. Rice cakes with almond butter: Try brown rice cakes, they have 2g of fiber and 60 calories per cake. With 1 tbsp of almond butter that is a perfect 160 calorie snack!
6. Greek Yogurt, topped with honey, oats, or cereal: My favorite nonfat greek yogurt hands down would have to be Chobani. SO delicious. Take their plain yogurt (100 cal for a 6 oz tub) and drizzle 1 tbsp honey, as well as any nuts, oats, or cereal you want. You're looking at about a 200-250 protein packed snack! so healthy, and so delicious. (I also recommend all flavors)
7. Nuts: 1/4 cup nuts has around 160 calories, and is one of my favorite on the go snacks. Almonds, cashews, and pecans are at the top of my personal list :) excellent source of fiber as well as protein.
8: Strawberries & popcorn:  popcorn is such a healthy snack. 1 cup for a lot of different snack foods can lead you well into 200+ calories. While that is still a healthy amount for a snack, popcorn on the other hand, only has 15 for 1 cup!! so that leaves room for extra food or maybe even another cup:) I like pairing 1 & 1/2 cups of popcorn with 4-5 large juicy red strawberries. (around 16-20 cal) So since its not very calorie dense, I eat this if I'm craving food later at night.


Well there are some healthy & helpful snack ideas that I hope help you get started! Let me know if you like me doing these posts, and I will definitely make more. Im thinking of starting a series where every now and then I will post healthy meal options when dining out. Thoughts? Leave those below! Its not a diet ladies and gentlemen, it is a healthy way of living. Hope you liked my snack suggestions :)
Have a blessed week!
(p.s. since today is Super Bowl sunday, break some of those snacks out for when you are tempted with the wings, pizza, cookies, and chips & dip etc)
more to come....
Rachel