I thought the best way to start this blog would be to talk about one of my favorite topics- healthy snacking!
I truly believe snacking can make or break your weight loss efforts. Snacks that are low in nutrients can add extra empty calories to your "budget" for the day, but if you choose wisely, snacking can help you sustain your energy throughout the day and eat less at meals. It's probably best to not go more than 4-5 hours during the day without eating. At least consider an afternoon snack if there is a sizable gap between your lunch and dinner time.
Here are my suggestions for choosing a healthy snack:
Usually 100-200 calories is a good amount with at least 5 grams of protein
Choose a healthy carbohydrate (whole grains or fruit) combined with either healthy fat or protein. This is the best combination for stable blood sugar and energy!
Some snack ideas:
1 medium apple and 10 almonds
7 Triscuits and 1 low fat string cheese
Kashi snack bar (try Honey Almond Flax or Chocolate Almond & Sea salt chewy granola bars)
Kind snack bar (try Fruit & Nut Delight or Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate)
1 cup of grapes and 1 mini Babybel light cheese
1 oz Lean turkey jerky with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup shelled edamame
1 5.3 oz container of Stonyfield Farm plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup blueberries and 1/2 TBS honey
I truly believe snacking can make or break your weight loss efforts. Snacks that are low in nutrients can add extra empty calories to your "budget" for the day, but if you choose wisely, snacking can help you sustain your energy throughout the day and eat less at meals. It's probably best to not go more than 4-5 hours during the day without eating. At least consider an afternoon snack if there is a sizable gap between your lunch and dinner time.
Here are my suggestions for choosing a healthy snack:
Usually 100-200 calories is a good amount with at least 5 grams of protein
Choose a healthy carbohydrate (whole grains or fruit) combined with either healthy fat or protein. This is the best combination for stable blood sugar and energy!
Some snack ideas:
1 medium apple and 10 almonds
7 Triscuits and 1 low fat string cheese
Kashi snack bar (try Honey Almond Flax or Chocolate Almond & Sea salt chewy granola bars)
Kind snack bar (try Fruit & Nut Delight or Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate)
1 cup of grapes and 1 mini Babybel light cheese
1 oz Lean turkey jerky with 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup shelled edamame
1 5.3 oz container of Stonyfield Farm plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup blueberries and 1/2 TBS honey