What kind of snacker are you? A boredom snacker, one who eats simply because they have nothing to do or are you like me? The type of snacker who snacks constantly because you are legitimately always hungry….OK sometimes just bored. Before I started my journey to living the most active and healthy lifestyle possible, it would be common to pass a Mcdonalds and swing by for a small french fry or Starbucks for a Caramel Machiatto and reduced fat blueberry muffin. Most of the time I was not even really hungry, I was probably dehydrated and the thought of a salty sweet treat seemed scrumptious. Today, I still stop for snacks, but more than likely it is for a ginger shot or lunch at the juice bar and if it is Starbucks it will be their Kale and Brown Rice Bowl and an iced coffee with vanilla soy.
When it comes to eating well, I do believe you have to set yourself up for success. Running out the door to work without eating even a small breakfast may set you up to be famished the second you enter your work space and usually forces you to binge on that bagel with cream cheese or breakfast burrito or make unhealthy snack choices during the day. Don’t worry! We all do it once in a while, but I have found that changing my morning routine really has directly helped me make better choices throughout the day, and enables me to snack healthy. When I wake up, I oil pull while taking a shower, after that I have a mug of hot water with the juice of a whole lemon to get everything moving and rid my body of more toxins. Sometimes, I put it in a to go cup on the way to work. After that, I choose a healthy breakfast, and keep it moving. These days I have been making my banana pancakes or waffles almost every morning, but other days I try chia seed pudding or oatmeal.
(I will post my chia seed pudding parfait recipe shortly)
However, there are many mornings where early call times cut into my routine and I need quick and easy foods on the go. I think breakfast and any meal should aim to keep you full for at least two and a half to three hours. If you are hungry twenty minutes later than you should re-think what about how well-rounded your breakfast was. Take a look at RD Nicole’s post from the beginning of April on metabolism. It discusses the need for a well rounded meal and the importance of snacking to keep you full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
When I am running out the door early I have the tendency to yes, pack my lemon water, but then a baggy of pre sliced mango from Costco and my homemade peanut butter energy bites! They keep me full and satisfied for a while, and yes folks I do oil pull in my car sometimes….note to self: DO NOT SPIT OIL OUT OF A MOVING VEHICLE. I learned the hard way….gross I know. Please don’t judge me. I also will grab my favorite coconut granola bars and possibly a baggy of almonds. Having these extras on hand enables me to A-save money by not stopping for a store bought snack and B-they are guiltless snacks that seamlessly allow me to move from one meal to the next with satisfaction and ease. Due to our busy lifestyles we all have to make adjustments. My schedule is all over the place and not very consistent. So, you have to find what works for you. If oil pulling in the car does not sound appealing, then try the lemon water as a starter!
Ok back to snacking. So why is healthy snacking so important?
1-Prevents overeating at mealtimes
2-Keeps blood sugar levels steady so you do not crash-That shaky feeling is the worst!
3-Provides extra nutrients-Stick to fruits and veggies, low fat dairy, whole grains and nuts and seeds.
Here is a list of my favorite on-the-go snacks:
Cascadian Farms Organics-Toasted Coconut Bars (Costco)
Bobo’s Oat Bars
Pre Sliced Mango (Costco)
Oikos Key Lime and Vanilla Coconut Greek Yogurt
1-2 Snackaroons as a sweet treat
My favorite on-the-go snack or breakfast are my Peanut butter energy bites!
Ingredients:
1 C Quick Oats
1/2 Ground Flax Seed
1/4 C Raisins
2/3 C Coconut Flakes
1 Tbs Chia Seeds
1 Tbs Vanilla Extract
1 C peanut Butter
1/2 C Honey
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients above together in a large bow. Roll mixture into 1 inch balls and refrigerate in a bowl or sheet for at least a half an hour. Place energy bites in an airtight container and keep in refrigerator. Note: Make these bites your own! I love peanut butter and coconut. Throw in some dark chocolate or coco nibs, find flavors that work for your household!
For more about these bites…Check out the video below!
Have fun making your energy bites! Let me know what flavors you decide to add. Have fun and enjoy what you eat because remember…a healthy lifestyle starts from the inside!
Love and Yumminess,
Taylor
