Healthy Snacking

Snacking is a great way to manage hunger in between meals. However, it’s important to be mindful about your snacking. Aim to snack about 2-3 hours after a meal and at least 2-3 hours before your next meal. Snacking is a great way to get energy if you’re on the go and can’t have a meal. If you snack, the carbohydrates may raise your blood sugar levels so try to choose high fiber carbohydrate foods when snacking. Here are some tips:

• Plan ahead so snacks are quick and accessible. Utilize measuring cups and pre-proportion snacks to ensure exact quantities being consumed.
• If you’re on the go then reading the food label of the snack you’re choosing may be helpful. If you’re trying to limit carbohydrates, try to choose something that is 15-20 grams of total carbohydrate and has at least 3 grams of fiber.
• Pair nutrients together: For example, balance out carbohydrate choices with sources of fat and protein to help promote optimal blood sugar levels.

Balanced Snack Ideas:

¼ cup of Almonds + 1 piece of small fruit

½ cup of Cottage cheese + ½ to 1 cup of berries

2 tbsp of Hummus + 1 cup of carrot sticks

¼ cup of raisins + ¼ cup of walnuts

1 cup of cucumber slices + 2 tbsp of tzataki or ranch dip

4-6 whole grain crackers + 2 tbsp of peanut butter

¾ cup of plain yogurt + ½ cup of high fiber cereal on top

½ cup of low salt pretzels + 1 hardboiled egg