Healthy Snacking
Snacking is a great way to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. The key to healthy snacking is portion control. A healthy snack should consist of a protein, carbohydrate, and a healthy fat if possible. Make sure you practice mindful eating...even healthy snacks, when overdone will cause weight gain. Be creative and enjoy!
Healthy Snack Ideas
- Peanut butter (or another nut spread of your choice) and bananas
- Almond butter (or another nut spread of your choice) and apples
- Peanut butter (or another nut spread of your choice) and banana sandwich: 1 banana sliced, 2 slices whole wheat bread, 2 Tbsp peanut butter - sprinkle on cinnamon or a small amount of honey if desired
- Trail mix: nuts, dried fruit (ie: raisins, cranberries, bananas, apples, berries, cherries...) - add whole grain cereal or oats if desired
- Celery and peanut butter
- Vegetables and dip
- Low fat or fat free yogurt, fruit, and granola (or chopped nuts) parfait: layer ingredients
- Cereal: dry, or with a small amount of low fat or fat free milk
- Low fat or fat free cottage cheese and fruit
- String cheese and an apple
- Small fruit smoothie
Yes, You Can Have Dessert!
Healthy Dessert Ideas
- Fruit and yogurt parfait: plain, low fat or fat free yogurt (choose Greek for added protein), fresh or frozen fruit of your choice, and low fat or fat free granola, flax seed, and / or chopped nuts (example: frozen cherries, plain nonfat yogurt, chopped almonds, and flax seed)
- Peanut butter banana "ice cream": combine frozen banana, peanut butter (or another nut butter of your choice), and chopped nuts (optional) in a food processor and process until smooth. For added sweetness and / or flavor, add cocoa powder or semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using chocolate chips, stir in after processing)
- Strawberries and cream: dip fresh strawberries in low fat or fat free whipped topping or Cool Whip
- Frozen grapes or other fruit
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit smoothie: combine fruit of your choice, low fat or fat free milk or milk substitute (i.e. soy milk, almond milk, rice milk), and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth (more ice for thicker consistencies, less ice or add water for thinner consistencies)
- Trail mix: dried fruit, chocolate chips, nuts, low fat or fat free granola (optional)
