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I have people asking me all of the time what kinds of snacks they should be eating. I always tell them to eat "one ingredient" foods and they can't go wrong. If it comes in a crinkly wrapper, no matter what said wrapper says about the health of their product, it's not as good for you as what nature provides. I am not a huge snacker and don't routinely eat them during the day, but when I do get hungry here is what I am usually munching on.
1. Fresh Fruit - any kind. Especially in the summer time, when fruit is fresh and plentiful, I always have a variety in my fridge. Right now I have apples, strawberries, cut up watermelon, peaches, nectarines and grapes in there. Yum! It's always a great addition to your lunches too.
2. Carrot Sticks and Hummus. This is one of my favorites! I am a huge advocate of making my own food, so then I know exactly what's in there and I have control over the ingredients. I make my own hummus, and to save money I buy bulk carrots and cut them myself. Carrots are actually healthier for you this way too, as they have zero processing - especially if you just picked them from your garden or bought them at the farmers market. Carrots are actually easy to grow if you want to test your ability at growing your own food. You can even grow them in a planter box, so you don't have to have garden space. Give it a try some time.
3. Celery and Almond Butter. This is a very satisfying snack, especially if I am feeling in need of the extra protein kick from the almond butter. Just make sure you have more celery than almond butter, spread it on thin. It's good for you, but does add extra fat and calories - good fat, but a calorie is a calorie.
4. Apple and Peanut Butter. One of my favorite combinations of all time. I had never even heard of putting peanut butter on an apple until a few years ago when I was at a friends house and she was serving it to her kids. Interesting, I thought, until I tried it and I was hooked from that day forward.
5. Pretzels. Some would argue this choice, as it is pure carbs, but I love a handful of pretzels now and again. The thing is, if you are having a particularly active day, you need the extra carbs. And, if you marry these little delights with hummus or nut butter, it has all you need for a healthy pick me up. I just make sure I am buying a whole grain, organic pretzel. My favorites are Newman's.
So, don't be afraid of snacks, just choose wisely and snack on my friends.
