Friday, August 24, 2012

Healthy snack suggestions


When it comes to snacks, most people think, “Chips! Cookies! Oh goody—pudding cups!” No. That’s what I call a “snack attack.” Snacks are not meant to be mini-meals. They are supposed to tide you over until your next meal. The silver lining? They can actually help you achieve a slimmer shape. Snacks prevent overeating come mealtime. I honestly snack all day long. It helps me stay satisfied. (Don’t you always make the worst diet decisions when you’re famished? I do.) Needless to say, instead of starving yourself between each meal, have a nutritious snack. It will help get your metabolism pumping and your body burning calories too.

Instead of those chips and pre-made snack packs, here are some healthy snack suggestions:
Grapes & Grahams: Take one graham cracker and split it into two squares. Spread each square with a light layer of cream cheese. Then sprinkle eight halved grapes over the top. It sounds strange, but it’s so delicious!
Pear/Apple & String Cheese: To curb your sugar cravings, have a piece of fruit with a side of cheesy protein (my favorite type of protein). Cheese is packed with calcium and according to good old WebMD, calcium “can help adjust your body’s fat-burning machinery.”
Greek Yogurt: Have a cup of Greek yogurt. If it’s plain, drizzle a little agave nectar over it and top it off with a few berries or slivered almonds. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which will keep you feeling full. Plus it has a lot of calcium too!
Hummus & Veggies: The hummus is made from chickpeas, which is rich in protein and fiber. It’s low fat and filling. Perfection!