By Pam Weber & Ashlyn Ritch
It’s hard to believe that we are already a few months into 2020! Hopefully the intentions you set for the year are still going strong. Being (and staying) healthy is one of many people’s top intentions every year. Whether this includes getting outside more, thinking more positively, working out more (hello Megaformer!), or eating healthy, there are so many things we can do to have a healthy lifestyle.
Today we’re talking about food… something most people love to think about (and eat!). There are so many fads and diets out there… but changing your diet completely or cutting out a food group completely is too hard for most people (and is not effective in the long-run). Instead, try making simple swaps in your food choices and try finding healthy snacks to keep you satisfied and get the nutrients you need. Below are some of our favorite easy, go-to snacks:
Greek yogurt and berries What’s not to love? You get protein and calcium in the yogurt (try sticking to Greek yogurt to avoid unwanted and unneeded sugars in some regular yogurts), and vitamins galore in the berries. Add some almonds or walnuts, and you get some added protein as well as a crunch that will help you feel more satisfied.
Trail mix Buying your own is always an option, but you may end up with extra calories and things you don’t like. Try making your own by buying almonds and other nuts, dried fruit, and even some dark chocolate chips. Mix it up and put it in a big mason jar for a quick snack on the run (and something for your sweet tooth too).
Nut butter on toast or rice cakes Looking for something a little more substantial? How about a slice of toast or a rice cake with almond butter? Spread almond butter and add sliced bananas, honey, and voila…a delicious and filling snack. I know what you’re thinking… carbs - yikes! Don’t freak out - everything in moderation. Instead of cutting out carbs completely, cut BACK. Don’t like nut butter? Avocado toast (or avocado on a rice cake) is another great option for a satisfying, healthy snack. Add some micro greens, cherry tomatoes, and salt and pepper and you’ve got a gourmet snack!
Veggie and hummus We love a snack that crunches. What better to make a big crunch than carrots, celery, cucumber, or peppers? By themselves, they might not be that exciting, but dip them in some hummus and you have a crunchy, delicious, and satisfying snack. Don’t like hummus? Try making your own! It’s so easy, and in our opinion, it’s so much better than store-bought. All you need is garbanzo beans, lemon, garlic, olive oil, tahini, and salt to taste. Here’s one of our favorite recipes:
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
1/4 cup (60 ml) well-stirred tahini
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Salt to taste
Throw in a food processor, and you’ve just made your own, fresh, delicious hummus!
Bananas and peanut butter Slice up a banana, spread it with peanut (or almond) butter, and add some dark chocolate chips. Not a banana fan? Try this with sliced apples instead. You get fruit, protein from the nut butter, and something for your sweet tooth too.
This is a just a start to some of the easy, healthy snacks there are out there. We live by the idea of enjoying our food, eating in moderation, not denying ourselves of our cravings, and not jumping on the band wagon of the newest diet or fad. Keep exercising regularly, eat a healthy diet, and allow yourself to enjoy a treat every once in awhile! Healthy living isn’t as hard as some think!