Whether you are traveling around the country or just to your 9-to-5, here are some ideas for snacks that skip the trans fat and the high fructose corn syrup.
- Hand Full of Nuts: Nuts are full of healthy fats and protein, which help to stabilize blood sugar levels. To satisfy salt cravings, try tamari almonds instead of the pre-salted blends.
- Veggies & Dip: Carrots, celery, broccoli, tomato, cucumber, cauliflower- the list of veggies you can dip goes on and on. For healthy dipping try hummus, guacamole, baba ghanoush, or bean dip. Try to avoid the creamy dips like ranch and blue cheese as they are high in fat and calories without much nutritional benefit.
- Apple & Almond Butter: Salty and sweet, this combo is always a winner. The fiber of the apple and the protein of the almond butter help you to feel full and energized.
- Live Culture Yogurt & Berries: Live yogurt has probiotics that help keep your gut healthy. Berries add sweetness along with nutrients that support your blood vessels’ health. If you have problems with dairy, consider a coconut milk alternative.
This list is by no means exhaustive; the best snack for you is the one that tastes good and keeps you feeling energized between meals. Generally, try to eat foods every 3-4 hours that have at least 6 grams of protein to help stabilize blood sugar and keep you energized all day long. Remember, sugary treats may give you a boost in energy, but it is short lived and results in a crash that leaves you with stronger cravings and lower energy than you started with. Having healthy snacks on hand at home, at work, and even in the car will help you resist the junk food temptation and keep you healthy all day long.
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