To Snack Or Not To Snack…That Is The #MeatlessMonday Question
If you know me, you know I ALWAYS have a snack in my bag…car…suitcase…backpack…you get the point…
And I’m NOT talking about a bag of chips or a candy bar…. 
(…they’re too expensive)
Since I never want to be strapped without a favorite snack (or any snack for that matter!), I’ve been known to have a bag of cut up veggies, an assortment of whole, sturdy fruit (think bananas or apples), or some whole grain pretzels on hand…because who likes to get those hunger pangs and then a stomach ache when you have big plans later in the day?
No thank you!
In 1977-1978, 73% of American adults snacked once or less per day, but as of 2007-2008, 67% of adults snack twice or more daily! I believe snacks are a vital part of a well-planned nutritional schedule, but the 24/7 snack-a-thon that Americans love so much needs to end! In between three moderate meals, snacks are meant to hold you over, prevent a too-far dip in blood sugar, and ward off hanger (anger when hungry)…NOT lead to an all day binge fest!
But it’s time to think outside your typical snack drawer (and 100 calorie packs!) and reinvent snack time as an opportunity to contribute essential nutrients to a well-rounded diet…not just eat JUNK in a (hopefully) well-controlled portion. You want to consume a “mini meal” combination of protein and complex carbs, as well as fiber, to keep you full until your next meal and prevent that continuous snack-a-thon.
So put down that bottomless bag of chips and let’s reinvent snacking without hydrogenated (trans) fats, without processed food and without fruit “snacks.”
I think a SUPER SNACK ROUND UP is just what the snack police has in order!
Substantial Snacks (200-250 calories or less)
- Pita Pizza. Check out my favorite varieties here.
- Balsamic Bruschetta on whole grain toast. Chopped (fresh or roasted) tomatoes, onion, basil, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Snack time Fiesta! High fiber tortilla (50-80 calories) with mashed black beans, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa & guac.
- Apple-wich: 1 apple sliced with nut/seed butter, dried or fresh fruit of choice and seeds or almonds.
- Banana dippers. Cut a banana into 4 pieces, place on lollipop sticks or toothpicks and dip in 1 tbsp nut/seed butter and then chia seeds.
- Popcorn Party! Air-popped popcorn (4 cups) with 1 tablespoon spicy roasted pepitas.
- Bowl o’ veggie soup. Broth-based, veggie-filled, and delicious…what more could you ask for??
- Crudite platter with (¼ cup) hummus or guacamole
When you just need a little something (100 calories or less)
- Fruit Kebobs. Great for adults or kids! Or try chocolate-chip raspberry pop’ems:
- Crispy PB&J. Corn thin or rice cake with nut/seed butter, chia seeds, & freeze-dried fruit.
- Baked apple with cinnamon and slivered almonds.
- Nuts! Almonds, walnuts, pistachios…all great options (if you’re not allergic like me!) & can have 100 calories if you’re on portion-patrol:
- Edamame. ½ cup of shelled soybeans is 100 calories. Or try dry roasted edamame…mmm.
In a rush or On-the-Go (quick & convenient options)
- Kind Bar…try the Cranberry Almond variety for seasonal flavor.
- Greek Yogurt…again, seasonal varieties exist…like pumpkin!
- Pre-made trail mix with freeze-dried fruit, nuts or seeds, carob chips, and air-popped popcorn.
- High fiber cereal & nonfat milk. Protein + complex carbs are BFFs like PB&J!
So what are you munchin’ on this #MeatlessMonday???
Let me know in the comments section below!
Have a great day!
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