Snack Attack! The truth is, we all have them. It's that little "want" which can sometimes feel like a "need" to have something ... anything! These cravings could be for salt or sugar or anything else, all you know is, it's for something bad. There is a lot of truth in saying that there are reasons why you are craving certain foods and this is most likely related to your hormones.
Anyone that knows me, understands that hormonal balance is one of my first concerns to address when looking to improve health and fitness. However, there are just those times even in hormonal bliss that you deserve a treat and you may as well make it something good!
There are some general guidelines to snacking you want to follow. A snack should contain between 100-200 calories and control your hunger. If it feels indulgent, good! If it didn't you would most certainly be on the prowl for something else. Make sure you are not just craving a snack because you are bored or thirsty, as this is often the case.
Take a walk and drink some water. Then ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" If you are still feeling like a little 'something-something,' here are 8 of my favorite remedies for those dreaded snack attacks.
Whether you feel like something sweet, salty, tangy, warm, quick ... it's all here. Now go ahead, snack away!
Baked Apples Or Pears
Apples and pears are great when warm. I just discovered this recently and other than in pies, I've never had it. It's my new found love. Wow! Serve with cinnamon or even stuff with dried fruits (raisins, dates, papaya apricots etc). If you feel like going all out, add some granola on top.
Quick and Fancy Apples
Another way to snack on apples—this one is quick and sweet and it can be done a million different ways. The best part ... it only takes 2 minutes. Just cut an apple up (I love Fuji apples) and add chopped walnuts, or a mix of nuts if you prefer. Add some maple syrup or have it with almond butter or peanut butter. Up to you. Mix it all up ... Ah, what a delight!
Greek Yogurt Parfaits
This is great for entertaining while still serving a healthy treat that gets high presentation scores. Be sure to serve it in a clear glass—to impress. Greek Yogurt has no fat, making it onto my list of favorite treats.
Vegetable Salsa
I like to make this on Sundays; it will last me until the next Thursday. It is the perfect guilt free treat. I enjoy mine served on Ezekiel bread. Any leftover are great added to chicken, so make a big batch. It's important here that you chop everything up very small.
Garlicky Hummus
Hummus... need I say more? Here is a twist to an all-time favorite snack. When it comes time for garlic, crushed will do. If you can make garlic ahead of time it will really pay off, especially in this recipe. Take an entire clove and cut the top off, pour a teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil on top (wrap in foil) let it do magic in the oven at 375 for 40-45 minutes. I use this garlic on everything... so good! My suggestion - make more than one clove. You'll love it!
Homemade Cucumber Pickles
Skip all the usual steps of heating and cooking and 'pickling' and try this short cut version. In my opinion this is an underestimated staple to healthy snacking. Cucumbers are super low cal and having them pickled adds a ton of flavor.
Homemade Kale Chips
Another low cal snack! Low calories and a fraction of the badness of any other chips.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are my top 8 healthy treats that don't get in the way of eating healthy. Hopefully you have some inspiration to try one of these the next time it's treat time. Enjoy!
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