Snacks All Day--Delicious Goodies to Help You Meet Your Goals

BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH A POST ABOUT FITNESS!

A few weeks back I talked briefly about my fitness goals and what has changed in my fitness life. One of the big things I've noticed is my crappy eating and snacking habits! In college, I refused to be someone who gained their freshmen 15, so I never bought unhealthy snacks. Occasionally Oreos, but mostly granola bars, oatmeal, and bagels. I didn't gain any weight and stayed pretty much the same (I think I lost a little weight, but I don't know because I never weighted myself there!). However, when I moved home, I gained the college-dropout-Mom-is-cooking-for-me-now-and-snacks-are-available-for-free-5 pounds. Now, 5 pounds is not a lot, but it is more than I prefer. I feel most comfortable at 130-135 and I'm sitting at 140 currently. It did not help my situation that I started a nannying job in a very sweet tooth, snack filled home with an invitation to eat whatever I'd like. (Self-control, what is it?) Also, bad bad bad lunch planning. I would eat with the kids (Kraft Mac-n-Cheese... not the most filling) and would not get enough calories and would end up super hungry around 2 p.m. This all added up to too many double stuff Oreos.

Now, my goal is not the ultimate thinspo girl. I don't really care about abs, but I do care about feeling good, having energy, fueling workouts, and gaining strength (I wanna be strong guys!). My stomach is not my favorite part of myself, but I more would like to eat healthy and get strong rather than attain some goal weight. One of the ways I can achieve the goal of strength, health and shedding a few pounds

is by changing my eating habits, starting with my snacks!

There is nothing wrong with a snack here and there, but if they are unplanned they tend to be sweet and calorie filled. Planned snacks in your day will equal more energy and better workouts!

I took it upon myself to do a google search or two and find some healthy snacks that are easy to make. I am a somewhat picky eater, and I don't like celery or any raw veggies, or eggs (I'm a fitness nightmare, I know!). These snacks are healthy, but not too vegetable-y.

(Sources: greatist.com and realsimple.com)

Yogurt Parfait (Stored in Mason Jars)

Yogurt parfaits are tasty and EASY! You only need three things: Any flavor Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries! The site I used showed the parfait in a mason jar which I thought was the perfect way to store this snack for the week! Make 5, eat them in between meals at work!

Mini Burrito

If you are looking for something a little more savory than sweet, make a burrito! Using a small whole wheat tortilla, use black beans and cheese of your choice! The recipe I found used pico de gallo, but if you want to wrap and freeze, I recommend dipping into salsa instead. These looked delicious!

Trail Mix

Trail mix is one of my favorite snacks. You can make your own or you can buy your favorite brand! It's a nice mix of salty and sweet, and it is easy to store and carry with you on a busy day! It fulfills cravings, fills you up, and gets in extra protein with all of the nutty goodness.

Cheese, Crackers, + Almonds

Almonds are a great snack! Pairing them with some crackers and sliced cheese makes for a delicious combo. Toss in some raisins or craisins with your almonds for a bit of sweetness! You get proteins, fats, and healthy carbs from this snack to tide you over until dinner. One of my favorite ways to eat this snack is through the Sargento Balanced Breaks packs! They come prepackaged so you can grab one on the go, and they are SO DELICIOUS. No Lie. Some of them even have dark chocolate. (Shout out to my mom for introducing these to me!)

Roasted Chick Peas

While I have never tried chick peas, this recipe looked so appetizing! Another one for those salty cravings. All you need is 3/4 cups of chick peas, 1 table spoon of olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Simply preheat your oven to about 375 degrees farenheit and bake for 20 to 30 minutes.

Deli Roll-up

Deli roll-ups are an easy, protein filled snack you can take or make anywhere! Choose a deli meat (chicken breast or turkey is the leanest) and a healthy cheese. You can add tomatoes, lettuce, a little bit of light mayonnaise, avocado, etc... to make it how you like!

Peanut Butter + Apples

This is one of my favorite favorite snacks. You get fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants from the apple and you get protein from the peanut butter. Keep some peanut butter in stock at all times (they even make dipping packets to go!) and slice up an apple the night before for a healthy + delicious snack to tide you over and help beat cravings.

Grapes + Cheese

Cheese with grapes? Sounds weird, but the dryness of the cheese goes perfectly with the juicy grapes. My favorite combination is red grapes with Colby-jack cheese! You get you Vitamin C, B-6, and of course lots more antioxidants in your grapes plus protein and healthy fat in your cheese. (We need some fat).

FRUIT

Of course, any fruit you eat brings lots of vitamins and antioxidants to the table with low carb intake! A few of my favorites are grapes, peaches, bananas, app;es, and watermelon. They are also super easy to travel with if you are on the go every day.

Smoothies + Shakes

Smoothies and shakes make for a great snack in the summer (I get too cold in the winter to drink a smoothie). Smoothies can be freezable so you can make a few ahead of time (unless you add protein. Protein powder needs to be consumed within a few hours or it may lose its properties) . Pinterest has so many delicious recipes! You can add protein powder to your smoothie or make a protein shake and add fruit, spinach, and peanut butter to add flavor. I prefer to save protein shakes for after a work out because that is the prime-time for muscles to absorb protein.

Bagel + Cream Cheese + Fruit

This is a higher carb snack but is very delicious! Choose a light cream cheese and add fruit on top for a tastier treat!

Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters! Dark chocolate is fairly good for you, so this is a good snack for those chocolate craving moments (or all day every day if you are me). All you need is 1/4 cup of mixed nuts (unsalted) and 1 ounce of melted dark Baker's Chocolate! Mix together, spoon onto wax/parchment paper, and let cool in the fridge!

I hope you enjoy and give one of these snacks a try (I will!). Remember, it is okay to have some potato chips, chocolate, and ice cream once in a while. Control is key! Limit your quantity and make good choices. Preparing ahead of time helps us make those choices!

-Kaydee