I’ve been getting a lot of questions about good snacking options. I know I posted the picture of my fridge, but I thought I would go into a little more detail on what I snack on everyday. Again, it’s all about planning. On Sunday, I get everything prepared so that my snacks are already pre-portioned and ready to go. That way I have ABSOLUTELY no excuse when I am rushing out the door why I can’t open the fridge or a drawer and pull out a perfectly healthy, pre-portioned, calorie controlled snack. I eat every 2.5-3 hours and that is a very important component of my program. I have so many clients that think eating this often is hard, but give it 2-3 weeks and then your body will be craving food every 2.5-3 hours, I promise.
Every morning, after my workout I have an Orgain protein shake paired with a banana. I always try to pair a lean protein with a complex carb. These Orgain protein shakes are my jam. First of all, is is pure chocolately heaven. It tastes like you’re doing something really bad, but you’re not! It’s exactly what my body needs after a workout! It’s 255 calories, so you need to make sure this works in your calorie allotment. Together with a banana, it is a 360 calorie snack. I get these at Whole Foods, but I am sure you can order them online and have them delivered to you if you don’t have a Whole Foods. This is what it looks like.
Another one of my favorite snacks is Justin’s Almond Butter individual packets (lean protein). I use this in a few different ways, but mostly, I put it on apples, bananas and celery (all complex carbs). This is perfect for me, because I have MAJOR portion control problems when it comes to nut butters. I would NEVER keep a jar of peanut or almond butter in my house, because inevitably, I will black out and find myself on the couch taking down the whole jar with a spoon. (Recognizing and dealing with your patterns is a big part of this process, even if they are embarrassing to admit). This little packet is perfect because it is 200 calories, and there is no way that I would let myself open another packet. I buy these buy the case at Whole Foods, but I have friends/clients that order them on Amazon and have them delivered to their house.
Another great one is Sabra hummus singles (lean protein). I LOVE hummus. There are a few different brands that have come out with these singles, but I like the Sabra the best because it is creamier than the others. However, it does have about 50 calories more. The whole package is 150 calories. I eat it with baby carrots pre-portioned 35 calorie packets from Publix, celery or any other raw veggie (all complex carbs). I will also sometimes use this in my veggie wraps at lunch. You’ve got to try this.
Here are a list of a few other snacks that I love to eat and always have stocked in my fridge:
-Edamame- I usually cook a whole bag of edamame in the shells and then portion them into 6 bags at 60 calories a piece. It’s a great source of protein.
-Hard Boiled Eggs- I cook a dozen-2 dozen eggs a week. Depending on my calorie budgeting for the day, sometimes I eat two eggs with a pinch of salt (140 cals), or if I need to lessen the calories, I will eat one egg and one egg white (86 cals).
-Wellshire Farms Organic Turkey Bacon- I LOVE turkey bacon. I throw two pieces in the microwave for 2 minutes and have an awesome snack. This is another one of those snacks where I feel like I’m doing something really bad, but I’m not! They are 35 calories per slice.
-Green Juice- Eco Fitness and Blue Turtle Yoga (where I work) is attached to an awesome organic vegan cafe and juice bar called The Sprout. A few times a week I go in there a get a green juice called an Alkaline Battery. It’s made with cucumber, kale, celery and lemon. It is pretty much as healthy as you can get. It took me a few tries to get used to the taste, but now I really love it!
Almonds- I put 12 almonds in a tiny snack bags and will pair them sliced apples after a workout. I usually don’t eat almonds on days where I have almond butter.
I hope this gives you a few healthy ideas. Tomorrow is Sunday, so get to the grocery store and plan and pre-portion your food for the week. I promise, it works!
