Need a reason to love February (no, not talking about Valentine’s Day)? It’s National Snack Month and over here at Real Nutrition we love a good snack. Oftentimes, snacks are demonized as the culprit of many health issues but we beg to differ. In fact, having a nutritionally balanced snack can actually help you meet your nutrition goals by managing hunger, maintaining energy, and preventing overeating during meal times (especially when dining out). In fact, snacks are a requirement for our clients, every afternoon, since the time between lunch and dinner is pretty long.
So what do we look for in a snack? Our recommendations consist of a combination of protein (7-10g), heart-healthy fat (3 – 15g), and fiber (3 – 10g), with ~200 calories or less. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite combos*. We lean on whole foods first but have a detailed list of packaged favorites we share with our clients too.
*Remember everyone is different and may need more/less. That is why we personalize plans!
- Apple slices with 1 – 2 TBSP nut/seed butter
- Sliced veggies with ¼ cup hummus
- 1 cup berries with ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grapes with 1 oz cheese
- 1 Orange with ¼ cup pistachios
Don’t limit your selection to those above, get creative with your choices. Our only rule: be prepared! That means, carrying a snack in your bag, filling your drawer, and don’t get caught off guard. This will help you avoid sugar, white flour, and fried foods that ultimately lead to cravings and overconsumption. There are so many better options out there.
Looking for more options? Follow us on social or become a client we’ll help you navigate any situation and will make delicious snack recommendations that fit your needs.
Now, what are you waiting for? Get snacking!
