It’s 10am. Two hours since you had breakfast, two hours before lunch. Your stomach growls and you realize, you’re not going to make it to lunch time. You need a snack. Now. But what?
Or how about this one. It’s 3:30pm and you are literally falling asleep at your desk. How are you going to make it another two hours before dinner? My favorite is when my kids are pulling on my legs telling me they’re hungry and I’m thinking, Me too! You know what sounds really good right now? Some chips…
Healthy Snack Ideas
Whether you are trying to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, or just trying to feel better and have more energy during the day, here are some tips to help you say no to those chips.
My husband calls me the Chip Queen. My daughter identified the rustle of a chip bag before she was 18 months old. She’d hear the bag and come running with her hand in the air saying, “Chip? Chip?!”
So trust me, I know how it feels to say no to chips.
Here are some healthy snack ideas and tips to help you be better and feel better.
Have healthy alternatives READILY AVAILABLE. This takes a little bit of planning, but it’s worth it! Cut up fruits and vegetables and pre-package them in baggies that are easy to grab. (Apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, zucchini, etc.) Portion out snacks into little bags so that you don’t over indulge on an otherwise healthy snack (hardboiled egg, raisins, Wheat Thins, etc.)
Eat a snack based on what you’re craving. Want something salty? Eat some nuts. Want something crunchy? Eat some carrots or celery. Sweet? Apples and cinnamon/peanut butter. Ice cream? Greek yogurt. Chips? Wheat crackers. Give your mouth the taste it wants, and give your body the energy it needs. Speaking of energy, I LOVE these energy bites. Instead of flax, I use chia seed and they’re still delicious. Mmm! I want them now.
Drink a lot of water. This will keep you hydrated and feeling good. Did you know dehydration causes headaches? Drink up, my friends!
Chew gum. It gives your mouth the chewing action and fills it with flavor. This doesn’t do anything to satiate hunger pains or give you energy, but it does plenty to keep that candy bar away.
Don’t buy junk food! Just don’t even buy it and you won’t have to listen to it calling your name.
These are just a few ideas, but I know there are so many more tips out there!
How do you maintain healthy snacking habits? What are YOUR favorite healthy snack ideas?
Ann Bacciaglia
Friday 10th of October 2014
I have been trying to eat healthier snacks. I try to have a veggie tray and a fruit tray available in the fridge at all times. I do love to snack on chips occasionally.
candice
Friday 10th of October 2014
i read recently that if you feel hungry it could simply be because you need to drink water and i've found that sometimes this is true! i usually go for nuts or a yogurt to get me over those snack humps in between meals.
Ronni
Friday 10th of October 2014
We aim for popcorn! You get the salty and the crunchy but less guilt. ;)
Autumn @MamaChallenge
Friday 10th of October 2014
Water is the easiest and hardest tip to follow for me! I'm always impatient and need to make it a part of day everyday!
Lori Pace
Friday 10th of October 2014
Chewing gum definitely helps. I try to drink a lot of water too. Great tips!