By Kelly Cornell, CHHC
AADP Holistic Nutrition Coach and Founder of KellyCornellWellness.com
There was a time when my snacks consisted of red vines, potato chips, movie theatre popcorn, snickers bars, mocha almond fudge ice cream and Snackwell’s low-fat cookies. I used to believe that the purpose of eating snacks was for 100% pure pleasure. Today, I still eat popcorn and baked chips occasionally because I enjoy the salty crunchy combination, but my main focus on snacking these days is to provide my body with the energy it needs to make it through until lunch or dinner.
And because I tend to have blood sugar issues, I find that eating the right type of snacks helps to stabilize my blood glucose levels. I still want to enjoy my snack foods, but my idea of eating strictly for pleasure has changed dramatically over the years. Now when I think about reaching for a snack my first thought is, “what sounds good?” and my second thought is, “what can I eat that will give me the most superior nutrition?” That might sound a little weird, but I really do think this way because I want to make every bite count. Having healthy, delicious snacks on hand can be so simple when you plan ahead. It’s really just about stocking up on the right stuff.
The best snacks come from whole, unprocessed foods and contain protein, fiber and healthy oils. Here are some ideas to get you started: Flax or rice crackers with a spread of hummus or mashed avocado Celery sticks with raw almond butter Apple slices dipped in almond butter An apple with a handful of nuts or seeds Raw veggie sticks like carrots, celery, jicama and zucchini dipped in hummus Green smoothie (frozen banana, berries, celery, cucumber and chia seeds) Homemade trail mix: raw sprouted almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and goji berries Raw protein bar (high in fiber and protein and low in sugar) Baked tortilla chips and fresh salsa or guacamole Kale chips Steer clear of the vending machine and keep healthy snacks with you wherever you go.
It’s so simple to keep a bag of nuts or a raw protein bar with you just in case you need an energy boost before your next meal. Once you start eating healthier snacks that actually taste delicious you’ll no longer crave the sugary, processed junk and instead enjoy munching on more wholesome treats that your body will love!
