Mix up your snack game with these five ideas that taste good, are satisfying, and nutritious.
We've all been there...
It's mid-afternoon… the hours til dinner feel like an eternity… and you can hear the cookies/chips/crackers/candy calling your name.
Do you sneak a snack… or do you try to white-knuckle it until mealtime?
It’s time to break free from the snack attack cycle!
First, let’s acknowledge a few facts:
Being tempted by not-so-healthy snacks is NOT a sign of weakness (it happens to everyone!)
Ultra-processed foods such as chips and sweet, fizzy drinks are specifically DESIGNED to be crave-able
It’s SO MUCH easier to make a snack choice that supports your goals if you have something healthy on hand to munch on
You’ve probably already heard a ton of snack swap suggestions (i.e., “swap your cookies for grapes”).
And they are all solid suggestions. But I’ve got 5 ideas to help mix up your snack game!
1. Seaweed Strips: Forget about potato chips. Seaweed strips are crunchy, salty, satisfying, and packed with minerals like iodine, which supports thyroid health. Find them in the Asian food section at your grocery store.
2. Sweet Potato Toasts: Sweet potato toasts are a delicious, if not unconventional, way to eat a sweet potato. Slice, toast them in the oven, and top them with your favorite sandwich fillings for a vitamin A-rich, gluten-free, sweet-and-savory treat.
3. Roasted Chickpeas: These little treats are another swap for when you want something crunchy. They are good sources of fiber and protein – plus they contain folate, antioxidants, B group vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.
4. Avocado Chocolate Mousse: Talk about a decadent swap for the next time you want ice cream! The biggest challenge in making this recipe is waiting until it’s chilled before diving into it!
Roughly chop ¼ avocado, place it in a high-speed blender, and process until smooth. Add 1 tsp each of cocoa powder and maple syrup, 2 tsp coconut cream and 2 Tbsp melted dark chocolate, and blend until smooth and mousse-like. Scrape out of the blender into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
5. Jerky: This is a great choice for when you crave something chewy and savory. There are tons of different types of jerky on the market now – from mushroom and seaweed to beef and turkey. Just be sure to scour the label to ensure it’s made from simple, recognizable ingredients and is low in salt and sugar.
These swaps are a tasty alternative to traditional snacks… but also pack a nutrient punch and will help keep you fueled and on track.
Remember: planning ahead can help you break the snack attack cycle! Having healthy options on hand is the key. 🔑
Happy snacking!
Get the tools, support, and guidance to help you reach your health and fitness goals without the added stress of trying to balance it all.
ABOUT ME
Hey there! My name is Marissa Rivera-Davis, and I'm a certified health fitness professional and founder of Her365 Fitness, a 24-hour studio gym & wellness community for women. I help women find the time and energy to move more and eat better so they can finally achieve the health & fitness goals that matter to them. My mission is to empower women with the skills and support they need to break free from a mindset of limitation & restriction to find pleasure and joy on their path to improved well-being. Learn more here.