Snacking Smart

Some people, if there is food around, will just snack mindlessly all day long.  There are also some people who will never pick up a snack and just stick to their main meals.  I find that by eating balanced healthy snacks throughout the day, I am better able to curb my hunger,  so that by the time dinner comes, I'm not ravenous, or when it comes time to hit the gym, I have the energy to do so, but without a heavy meal sitting in my stomach. 

Some snacking tips:  Leave a snack or two in your desk drawer at work or pack some in a bag the night before or the morning of.  For the ladies, if you know you will be away from home for an entire day, pack some snacks in your purse.  The glove compartment box of your car is another great place to keep some snacks as long as they won't melt. I find life to be healthier and more enjoyable just due to the addition of snacks.  For me, I usually have two snacks spread out throughout the day.  For you, your need to snack may be different.  Here are some of my favorites (I included ones with dairy too).  Feel free to share yours!!

• Berries and a handful of almonds
• Carrots, celery, or cucumber slices and hummus
• Dried fruit and a handful of nuts
• Pretzles or pita chips with lite Laughing Cow cheese
• Pretzles or pita chips with hummus
• Cut up apple and peanut butter
• Celery and peanut butter
• Mixed berries and lite Babybell cheese
• Pita Chips and cottage cheese
• Fruit and cottage cheese
• Cut up banana and greek yogurt with cinnamon
• Banana and handfult of nuts
• Banana and peanut butter
• Kashi bar
• Dried cereal and greek yogurt
• Dried cereal and cottage cheese
• Hard boiled egg and tomatoes
• Tomato juice and a handful of nuts