Filling Snacks

Tiny Tummy Tips, Issue #57--10 Filling Snacks

…Before I talk about snacks…

…let me remind you about the importance of prioritizing balanced and satisfying meals.

Because…

3 balanced meals per day can:

•Decrease your cravings for sweets
•Give you steady energy
•Help keep you mentally focused throughout the day
•Decrease your THOUGHTS about food

Now let’s talk about snacks.

But wait…

…Let’s reframe terminology.

Consider replacing the word “snack” with “mini meal.”

Let's face it, "snack" sounds like something you'd grab from a vending machine—fun in the moment but not quite the solid choice you need.

If your snacks are regularly low in nutrition, you feel hungrier, eat more, and subsequently weigh more.

What if you called them "mini meals" instead? It has a nice ring to it, right? Mini meals feel like thoughtful, deliberate pauses in your day to refuel with something that does your body good.

Here's the deal: the best “mini meals” are a combo of protein and produce:

• Produce (vegetables and fruits) have fiber and water to help you GET full.
• Protein has staying power to help you STAY full.

The best MEALS are ALSO a combo of protein and produce. So why not just have a smaller “mini” meal when you need something to tide you over?!

Ready for Some Ideas?

1. Cottage cheese with apple slices: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, and you’ve got a sweet and tangy treat.

2. Mini green smoothie: Blend water, half a scoop of protein powder, some greens, and a bit of frozen banana. Refreshing and energizing!

3. Mozzarella stick with a clementine: Simple, tasty, and fun to peel.

4. Greek yogurt with PB2: It's like a peanut butter dip for apple slices. Yum!

5. Hard-boiled egg with baby carrots: A protein-packed crunch that keeps you going.

-AND-

6. Hummus with cucumber slices: Creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-refreshing, this classic pairing is both nutritious and satisfying.

7. Turkey roll-ups with bell pepper strips: Simply roll slices of turkey around colorful bell pepper sticks for a fun, portable snack that's packed with protein and fiber.

8. Edamame with cherry tomatoes: Lightly salted edamame combined with sweet cherry tomatoes is a tasty, high-protein snack that’s perfect for nibbling.

9. Almond butter on celery sticks: A classic combo that's both crunchy and creamy, with a little dose of protein from the almond butter.

10. Ricotta cheese with strawberries: The creamy texture of ricotta pairs beautifully with the juicy sweetness of strawberries. A simple but delightful treat!

Keep it light, keep it balanced, and most of all, keep it tasty!

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Comments? Ideas? Feedback?

See you in the next issue!

In Health,