Summer Snack Attack
Forget the Snacking Stress this Summer!
There are so many conflicting articles out there about snacking when it comes to “health”, some say to eat every 2 hours, others say to not snack at all. Do you fell like your head is spinning, because mine is! It doesn’t have to be that hard. Let me break it down for you.
Our body gives us some pretty obvious huger cues to listen to. They might look like this:
- Pain in the belly
- Rumbling tummy
- Light headed or dizzy
- Shaking hands
- Or just the simple feeling of needing some kind of food!
Summer is often filled with more activity, particularly outdoors, which can lead to higher perspiration and exhaustion. This can also lead to the need to consume more food so you are able to expend this extra energy! Make sense? Good! Different types of snacks will fill you up differently than others, and the same snack might give you a different satisfaction level today than it will tomorrow.
Here are some examples of snacks and fun-facts that have nothing to do with their calories!
Watermelon – Sweet but also hydrating. The extra water in this fruit will help replenish your water stores. You might be hungry later though! It has vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, C, B5 and Potassium among other great health benefits.
Veggies with Hummus – This fiber and fat combo (with a bit of protein, thanks chickpeas!) will give you a long burning energy that will last all afternoon. You will also be fuller for longer thanks to this well-rounded combo, score! This snack also includes many great vitamins and minerals depending on the veggies you choose. My favorites are; peppers, carrots, broccoli and cucumber. But you can use whatever veggies you enjoy!
Herbaland Protein Gummies – High protein will keep you fuller for longer, and fiber not only helps you go to the bathroom on a regular basis but will help balance your blood sugar levels. These little gems come in convenient individual packages for easy on-the-go or running-out-the-door snacks. I will even have a packet for breakfast if I am in a really big rush.
Apples with Peanut Butter – Adding a fat to this natural sugar will lengthen the energy burn. Don’t forget that fruits also have fiber, vitamins and minerals! Win!
Chips – The salt in these will help replenish sodium lost by sweat, the simple carbs will give you a short burst of energy. You might need more food later on though.
Candy – This fast (and short) burst of energy will give you a kick in the pants at the end of the day. Watch for that crash though, following up with a high fiber/fat snack or meal will help lessen your crash and balance your blood sugar highs and lows.
Granola Bars – Depending on the specific brand, the sugar will give you a burst of energy, and the fiber will come in handy for fullness. These are an easy on-the-go option!
Cheese, meat and Crackers – High five for a great protein snack, you will be full for a while. Pick a high fiber cracker (look for seeds!) and that will help balance those blood sugar levels from your fruit snack earlier.
Yogurt Parfait – Typically higher in sugar so pick a high fiber granola to pair it with, mix in protein powder or collagen powder if you like for a longer and slower energy release.
Popsicles – These are great to cool you down after a long hot day. Often they are high sugar so watch for that sugar crash later on!
At the end of the day, food is also about the experience and enjoyment. Food can mean different things to different people. The truth is that food is fuel and contains essential life-giving nutrients to keep your body functioning. Some feeds your soul and some food feeds your body. My wish for you is that you spend your summer with your family and friends and eating great food along the way. While you are out and about, don’t forget to pack your favorite snack!
P.S Still low on Snacking Inspiration? Don’t stress, here are some more great snack ideas!
- Popcorn
- Cut up veggies and/or fruit
- Frozen Banana “Snickers”
- Protein Shake (our choice of protein is High Alpha Brand)
- Toasted Chickpeas (there are so many flavors to try!)
- Hardboiled Eggs
- Quick and Easy Egg Muffins
- Corn chips and Guacamole
- Homemade Chocolate Bark
- Nuts and seeds
- Protein Balls (we have a great book called Protein Power for sale, email us to pick up your copy!)
- Pretzels
- Frozen Yogurt Raspberries
