Health
Healthy afternoon snack ideas
Health
Healthy afternoon snack ideas
I don't know about you, but come 3 p.m. I could literally eat anything that's put in front of me. That mid-afternoon slump really gets me down. That's why having healthy snacks on-hand is essential so I don't pull a cookie monster and binge eat freshly baked treats from our Canadian Living
Test Kitchen. (Though who could really blame me sometimes?) I figured I'd share some of my favourite ways to stay healthy and satiated. And I hope to hear from you too!
My favourite healthy snacks:
- Fruit: An apple (click here for 10 healthy and delicious apple recipes) and some almonds (portion control is important here - I usually only bring a handful from home so I don't eat the whole bag!) are the perfect treat. The combination of fibre and protein keeps me fuller for longer and the sugar from the apple gives me a little pep in my step. Plus, apples help you lose weight, are chock full of antioxidants and they're also just delicious.(Photography: Geneviève Caron)
- Healthy muffins: I know this sounds like an oxymoron but I make my own sugar-free, wheat-free muffins with almond butter, bananas and a few other key ingredients so they're fairly high protein and not very high in sugar. They keep me feeling satisfied until I can go home to make a healthy dinner.
- A granola bar: I stick with either a homemade version filled with nuts and seeds or if I don't have one on-hand I'll buy a Kind bar. They taste like a treat but they are filled with protein like nuts and generally have more protein than sugar. They are also gluten-free and overall I'd say they are on the healthier end of packaged goods. Many granola bars have more sugar than chocolate bars!
- Roasted chickpeas: Make these at home with spices or the seasoned ones from The Good Bean below are a great on-the-go option. They have tons of protein and fibre and loads of flavours that are both sweet or savoury.
- Popcorn: Make popcorn the old-fashioned way (and buy non-GMO kernels) or some store-bought versions are healthy alternatives. This Fit Popcorn is gluten-free, non-GMO, and low-calorie. Plus, popcorn is a great source of fibre! Steer clear of microwaveable popcorn at all costs though.
- Veggies and hummus: Vegetables have loads of vitamins and minerals and will help you stay fuller for longer and the hummus will give you a hit of protein. Cut up veggies at the beginning of the week and portion out some hummus into little containers so you've got a stockpile of these ready to go. If I'm really craving carbs, I'll also add in some Mary's Gone Crackers. (They're filled with seeds, brown rice, quinoa and flax seed and they're perfect for dipping!)
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