THE BENEFITS OF SNACKS

I often hear from clients trying to lose weight that they are avoiding snacking. While endlessly raiding your cupboard obviously isn’t the best, a protein and fiber-packed snack has many benefits. It can help balance blood sugars, boost your daily nutrient intake, give you energy, keep you full, curb cravings, and prevent overeating later in the day. One of my favorite go-to snacks is Greek yogurt with a scoop of peanut butter and berries. When I worked in the city, I used to eat this in the afternoon before my trek home. It gave me something to look forward to, and also tied me over until dinner so that I wasn’t ravenous.

PACKAGED SNACKS

There are some great packaged snacks with minimal ingredients, that are also healthy, portable, and easy to grab on your way out the door. Most of the snacks listed below can be found at major grocers, but I found all of these at Target, Wegmans, and Whole Foods.

Favorite “happy hour” snack: Snyders Gluten free pretzels + Simple Mills almond flour cheddar crackers + salted mixed nuts. I grab a few handfuls of each and place in a bowl to share (or not!)

Favorite snack for on-the-go: GoMacro bars, 88 Acres, or Perfect Bar

Favorite post lunch snack: Kodiak Cake frozen waffles + creamy peanut butter + berries (Target, Whole Foods and Wegmans all have a great variety of waffles)

Favorite snack to cure a sweet tooth: Bark Thins or Justin’s mini peanut butter cups

Favorite sweet and salty snack: Barbara’s Puffins peanut butter cereal + mixed nuts

Favorite salty snack: Garden of Eatin’ cassava grain free chips – original + guacamole

Favorite snack to have with coffee or tea: Apple cinnamon rice cake + creamy peanut butter + sliced banana w/ honey

Favorite dessert snack: Yasso Greek Yogurt Bars or Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich

Favorite bedtime snack: Three Wishes Cereal + low fat milk or Kodiak pancake cup

Favorite pre or post workout snack: Siggis Greek yogurt + berries + Purely Elizabeth granola. I love to sprinkle granola on oats and smoothies, and mix into pancake mix or just eat plain!