Hi friends 🙂 Just now winding down from the day’s events- hope you had a happy Friday!
Since tomorrow is a teaching day, I try to plan out (and make) the snacks I’ll need the night before. I try to have lots of little snacks throughout the day to keep my energy up, without being too heavy and weighing me down. It’s hard to booty-shake with a very full belly.
I’ll make a huge one and sip on it throughout the day
Larabars
Veggies and fruit
Some fun combos: strawberries or apple dipped in nut butter (almond or cashew), seaweed snacks used to pinch up salad bites, hummus on toast with veggies
and whatever random treats we have in the locker room. Guests and coworkers like to surprise us with goodies 🙂
I was offered the opportunity to do a video chat with Ellie Krieger, but since I was teaching all day that day, I had to miss it. I’ve been a huge fan of Ellie Krieger’s for quite a while -I used to watch her Food Network show every Saturday- and love that she focuses on clean, whole foods. Ellie Krieger is also a registered dietitian- her dishes are extremely flavorful and health-conscious at the same time.
The representative who organized the event was so kind to interview Ellie on my behalf. I was interested in hearing her responses to two of the suggested interview questions, and the third is my own:
1. What is the problem with oversnacking and how many Americans are at risk of doing it? 2. What are some creative ways to turn everyday (and traditionally unhealthy!) snacks into Super Snacks?
3. What do you do if you have a snack and are still hungry? Any key tips to making snacks more satisfying?
Here’s what she had to say:
(the interview and this giveaway are both sponsored by California Grapes)
My responses to the questions:
1. What is the problem with oversnacking and how many Americans are at risk of doing it?
I think that oversnacking is definitely a problem because it’s an answer to pretty much anything. Nothing to do? Have a snack. Tired? Have a snack. Your boyfriend is being a punk? Have a snack. And it goes on and on. While I’m obviously a huge snacker myself, I think it’s often done for the wrong reasons (like not actually being hungry, but rather because you’re bored, tired, emotional, etc) and choosing the wrong types of snacks. I think it’s a great idea to snack throughout the day to keep your metabolism functioning well, but choosing healthy snacks (with protein and an emphasis on fresh fruits/veggies) is important. 2. What are some creative ways to turn everyday (and traditionally unhealthy!) snacks into Super Snacks?
One of my favorite healthier version of a “traditional” snack is instead of having chips, enjoy some dehydrated or baked zucchini or kale chips. I’m also a huge fan of Pop Chips. I actually like them better than potato chips and the sweet potato flavor is ridiculous.
3. What do you do if you have a snack and are still hungry? Any key tips to making snacks more satisfying?
I think it’s a good idea to make sure you have a combo of carbs, fats and protein in each meal and snack to make it more satisfying. Whenever I have pure sugar or carbs, I’m hungry about 4 seconds later. One of my favorite combos right now is a piece of toast with marinara and goat cheese, topped with oregano and red chili flakes. Pizza toast!
So tell me friends, what’s your snack strategy? Do you have the same amount of snacks each day or go with the flow? What’s your most satisfying snack combo?
On the days I don’t teach, I’ll have two snacks and 3 meals. The days I teach, depending on what kind of day it is, I’ll end up having as many as 5 or 6 snacks in addition to my meals.
Congratulations to the winner! Tasha, who said:
I love Ellie Krieger! I remember when she first came on the food network, I was super excited that they finally featured a healthy chef, who doesn’t use processed foods the way the Hungry Girl does. My favorite snack is roasted chickpeas, with cumin and paprika. Great snack and wonderful source of protein.
Send me your info and I’ll get your books and roons on the way 🙂
(fitnessista at gmail dot com, subject: COOKBOOK AND ROONS WINNER!)
I usually go with the flow with snacks. However i do realize that when I have fitness goals I tend to be more strict with my choices and go for low refined sugars, high fibre foods.
My favourites are yogurt (plain, unsweetened) with cinnamon and almonds (replaces my ice cream cravings too! :D) or almond/organic peanut butter with a spoon !
Your blog has also given me alot of inspiration for healthly meals that are important in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Thank you!!!
Im definitely a big snacker but trying to make more conscious choices. I looove fruit, or sometimes ill do a smal yogurt with fresh blueberries. Toast with some hummus, cucumber and sunflower seeds is also yummy 🙂
I don’t necessarily ‘plan’ snacks into my day in the traditional way, rather I make a habit of carrying around Kashi bars, trail mix, protein bars, fruit and other miscellaneous healthy snacks in my car and purse in case I need a pick me up or will be late for a meal. Snacks in my opinion should be protein filled and easily transportable.
I can definitely be an emotional snacker, which is an awful habit! The summer shape up is helping me be much more aware of it, and I’m working really hard at snacking purely for metabolism revving purposes! I loved hearing Ellie’s answers to your questions 🙂
I love snacking probably more than having actual meals 🙂 I will usually have 2 morning snacks (luna or Larabar and a piece of frui) and 1-2 afternoon snacks depending on the day (usually more protein based like yogurt or edamame). I like to eat something every 2-3 hours or so to keep my energy up!
I usually snack on fruits since they are sweet and easy to eat when I am hungry or feel like snacking. Apricots, peaches, and apples are my favorite. I also love banana and peanut butter. And if I have sweets sitting out on the counter… well those usually become part of my snacks as well 🙂
Oh man… I’m a huge snacker, and I have to be extra careful about it. If I’m being mindful about my snacks, I tend to eat fruit and veggies, especially grapes, apples, and baby carrots. 🙂
Still trying to get on schedule with a newborn so my go to snack has been a cup of granola cereal with a little bit of chocolate almond butter. So yummy and quick!
Great giveaway, I would love some more of her recipes!
I try to have snacks only if I’m hungry. I love popcorn, especially in the evening for snacks. We have fruit baskets at work, so I often have a banana for a snack.
I don’t really do snacks – if I’m hungry, I make it a meal. One of my favourites is quark with fruit and nuts. I usually have 4 (big) meals in the day, as eating very little meals (snacks) only makes me hungrier.
If I need a snack I tend to be most drawn to liquid snacks… Orange juice (yummmmmm) an (almond) milky peppermint tea (seriously my favorite treat), or the occasional smoothie
On a normal day I’ll have 3 meals and 2 snacks. My favorite snack is oatmeal. I’ll make one serving and split it for 2 snacks with fruit on top.
There are some days when I just cannot for the life of me get full even with healthy combos. On those days I just go with it and eat several small snacks. I just try to make sure they are healthy. I figure if I’m eating right and I’m still hungry, obviously my body needs the extra calories that day.
Izabela (yoginiselfportrayal.wordpress.com)on June 23, 2012 at 6:18 am
Hi Gina,
I need to snack a lot during the day. The same as you, on the days I teach I feel hungry almost all the time. My favorite way is to have roasted nuts with some fruits. I love frozen grapes and bananas. Also my recent fav. is chia seed pudding that I would prepare with almond milk, nut butter and add some nuts to it.
I always break down my meals through the day. I don’t like having a big meal at once. So like for dinner ill have my vegetable portion and hour or so before my protein and grain. I do the same with breakfast, since I always wake up at 5 somthing, so I have half then and half later. It definatly works for me.
My go-to snack is fruit and nut butter. Almond butter on apple or banana just never gets old.
Apart from that, I’m a big fan of packing up leftovers into snack sized containers for easy reheating. Both of my offices (one is a home office) have a fridge and oven so it’s NBD to be prepared. However, as you mentioned, being on a loose schedule where the food is there and I am not constrained by mandated meal times does put me in danger of excess snacking. It’s a matter of exercising a bit of self-control, tuning in to whether I’m *really* hungry or not and staying hydrated.
I usually bring my lunch and a couple vegetable or fruit snacks with me to work, but I also keep a jar of sunbutter and a package of rice cakes at my desk to use to bulk up other snacks. Carrot sticks aren’t going to cut it? Dip them in the sunbutter. Tastes better and holds me over more.
I snack according to how hard my work out was. I usually have a snack no matter what, nuts or a banana but if I’ve worked out really hard, I’ll need more. Like a macaroon!
I have to be able to travel with my snacks. I work on a construction site (safety) and we don’t always have the best office setting. Lara bars, fruit with cheese (if possible to keep cold), kashi bars, veggies. I always try to make sure my snack is small unless I have a workout that is over an hour for the day. 3 meals, 2-3 snacks a day. I wouldn’t be able to make it through my day without snacks!
I am a teacher so my snacking is set according to the bells 🙂 I eat the same time that the kids do which means that I eat a morning and an afternoon snack. I have recently been paying more attention to my snacks by ensuring that I have a protein and a fruit pairing (cheese/apple, greek yogurt strawberries etc).
I love grapes and cheddar cheese as a snack…..my BEST snacking strategy is to have a single serving snack…..if still hungry , go ahead and eat the next meal…..I find when I am hesitant to move the next meal up, I am not really hungry just bored, tired, lonely, etc.
My staple snack is an apple. If I want to amp it up and add protein, I’ll either make a protein powder dip (mix 1 Tbsp protein powder with some water until it’s a glaze-like consistency) or spread some peanut butter on the slices. Either way, I’m fueled until my next meal.
I definitely try to have healthier snacks (fruit/veggies); lately, it has been so stressful at work I noticed I am struggling to avoid the non-healthy snacks (candy, etc.). Lol my motivation to not eat those types of items is Zuzana’s abs, so jealous!
While I stick to healthy snacks, I could definitely limit how MUCH I’m snacking. I think I tend to look at a good snack as a reward system and need to change that mentality. Those cookbooks look so great! She is awesome and I would love to have some of her recipes on hand!
I just kind of go with the flow…if I’m hungry or not, but I tend to have granola bars or fruit for snacks. Peanut butter with crackers is a good one too!!
I’m a huge snacker so I can totally relate! And its true what ellie said regarding a mix of carbs, protein, and fats because when I have a sugar based snack, I’m still ravaneous 2 min later!
lately i have been really enjoying luna bars i wanted something a little different than the softer lara bars so I tried the luna bars and they are great, my favorites are pretzel and honey, oatmeal raisin and lemon zest. I usually take fruit like strawberries or watermelon to work as snacks too because they travel easily and aren’t messy. I also love baby carrots dipped in the supremely spicy hummus, I can’t remember the brand but its sold at most grocery stores and its delicious.
This is a great giveaway! I love Ellie Krieger!
Right now my favorite snacks (and meals) are smoothies. It’s be so hot lately that the thought of eating real meals is so unappealing, and you can pack a lot of the same nutrients into a smoothie.
I usually have at least 2 snackers a a day. Lately in my snacking rotation I’ve been doing lots of greek yogurt with strawberries and granola, air-popped popcorn with old bay, whole wheat crackers and string cheese, and banana’s with a little schmear of crazy richards pb. I also think chocolate macaroons would make a good snack for me : )
I usually go with the flow with snacks. However i do realize that when I have fitness goals I tend to be more strict with my choices and go for low refined sugars, high fibre foods.
My favourites are yogurt (plain, unsweetened) with cinnamon and almonds (replaces my ice cream cravings too! :D) or almond/organic peanut butter with a spoon !
Your blog has also given me alot of inspiration for healthly meals that are important in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Thank you!!!
Im definitely a big snacker but trying to make more conscious choices. I looove fruit, or sometimes ill do a smal yogurt with fresh blueberries. Toast with some hummus, cucumber and sunflower seeds is also yummy 🙂
I snack around 10:30 AM (usually a Luna bar) and around 2:30-3 PM (usually an apple) but I’m always looking for ways to spice things up!
my favorite all time snack is the smoothie- especially now that it’s summer, I am addicted!
I don’t necessarily ‘plan’ snacks into my day in the traditional way, rather I make a habit of carrying around Kashi bars, trail mix, protein bars, fruit and other miscellaneous healthy snacks in my car and purse in case I need a pick me up or will be late for a meal. Snacks in my opinion should be protein filled and easily transportable.
I can definitely be an emotional snacker, which is an awful habit! The summer shape up is helping me be much more aware of it, and I’m working really hard at snacking purely for metabolism revving purposes! I loved hearing Ellie’s answers to your questions 🙂
My favorite snack is a smoothie- it is easy to digest & doesn’t weigh me down, so I have energy for the rest of my day!
I love snacking probably more than having actual meals 🙂 I will usually have 2 morning snacks (luna or Larabar and a piece of frui) and 1-2 afternoon snacks depending on the day (usually more protein based like yogurt or edamame). I like to eat something every 2-3 hours or so to keep my energy up!
I’m not the smartest snack- but I always strive to do better! I like quacomole & veggies or Annie’s kettle corn. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love to snack on almond butter and fruit. I love Ellie Krieger and remember watching her back on the Food Network!
I usually snack on fruits since they are sweet and easy to eat when I am hungry or feel like snacking. Apricots, peaches, and apples are my favorite. I also love banana and peanut butter. And if I have sweets sitting out on the counter… well those usually become part of my snacks as well 🙂
Oh man… I’m a huge snacker, and I have to be extra careful about it. If I’m being mindful about my snacks, I tend to eat fruit and veggies, especially grapes, apples, and baby carrots. 🙂
Still trying to get on schedule with a newborn so my go to snack has been a cup of granola cereal with a little bit of chocolate almond butter. So yummy and quick!
Great giveaway, I would love some more of her recipes!
I normally have 2 snacks and 3 meals. I love think thin bars, great source of protein and great for the sweet tooth!
I try to have snacks only if I’m hungry. I love popcorn, especially in the evening for snacks. We have fruit baskets at work, so I often have a banana for a snack.
I have went from an emotional eater/snacker to loathing food when im mad that’s worse. This looks like an execllent cookbook.
I don’t really do snacks – if I’m hungry, I make it a meal. One of my favourites is quark with fruit and nuts. I usually have 4 (big) meals in the day, as eating very little meals (snacks) only makes me hungrier.
I feel like I snack all day! I try to keep it healthy but I definitely have my days! I love yogurt, granola and fruit as a snack.
If I need a snack I tend to be most drawn to liquid snacks… Orange juice (yummmmmm) an (almond) milky peppermint tea (seriously my favorite treat), or the occasional smoothie
On a normal day I’ll have 3 meals and 2 snacks. My favorite snack is oatmeal. I’ll make one serving and split it for 2 snacks with fruit on top.
There are some days when I just cannot for the life of me get full even with healthy combos. On those days I just go with it and eat several small snacks. I just try to make sure they are healthy. I figure if I’m eating right and I’m still hungry, obviously my body needs the extra calories that day.
Hi Gina,
I need to snack a lot during the day. The same as you, on the days I teach I feel hungry almost all the time. My favorite way is to have roasted nuts with some fruits. I love frozen grapes and bananas. Also my recent fav. is chia seed pudding that I would prepare with almond milk, nut butter and add some nuts to it.
I always break down my meals through the day. I don’t like having a big meal at once. So like for dinner ill have my vegetable portion and hour or so before my protein and grain. I do the same with breakfast, since I always wake up at 5 somthing, so I have half then and half later. It definatly works for me.
My go-to snack is fruit and nut butter. Almond butter on apple or banana just never gets old.
Apart from that, I’m a big fan of packing up leftovers into snack sized containers for easy reheating. Both of my offices (one is a home office) have a fridge and oven so it’s NBD to be prepared. However, as you mentioned, being on a loose schedule where the food is there and I am not constrained by mandated meal times does put me in danger of excess snacking. It’s a matter of exercising a bit of self-control, tuning in to whether I’m *really* hungry or not and staying hydrated.
I usually bring my lunch and a couple vegetable or fruit snacks with me to work, but I also keep a jar of sunbutter and a package of rice cakes at my desk to use to bulk up other snacks. Carrot sticks aren’t going to cut it? Dip them in the sunbutter. Tastes better and holds me over more.
my favorite snack would be any sort of nut/nut butter because it gives me energy and keeps me more satisfied!
I snack according to how hard my work out was. I usually have a snack no matter what, nuts or a banana but if I’ve worked out really hard, I’ll need more. Like a macaroon!
I LOVE Ellie Krieger…I think having her book on hand would help making dinner that are healthy for the family a LOT easier!
I have to be able to travel with my snacks. I work on a construction site (safety) and we don’t always have the best office setting. Lara bars, fruit with cheese (if possible to keep cold), kashi bars, veggies. I always try to make sure my snack is small unless I have a workout that is over an hour for the day. 3 meals, 2-3 snacks a day. I wouldn’t be able to make it through my day without snacks!
I am a teacher so my snacking is set according to the bells 🙂 I eat the same time that the kids do which means that I eat a morning and an afternoon snack. I have recently been paying more attention to my snacks by ensuring that I have a protein and a fruit pairing (cheese/apple, greek yogurt strawberries etc).
I love grapes and cheddar cheese as a snack…..my BEST snacking strategy is to have a single serving snack…..if still hungry , go ahead and eat the next meal…..I find when I am hesitant to move the next meal up, I am not really hungry just bored, tired, lonely, etc.
It works : D
I’m obsessed with baby carrots and almond butter right now.
My staple snack is an apple. If I want to amp it up and add protein, I’ll either make a protein powder dip (mix 1 Tbsp protein powder with some water until it’s a glaze-like consistency) or spread some peanut butter on the slices. Either way, I’m fueled until my next meal.
I usually always have at least one snack a day!
Vitamuffins and almond butter with a cup of almond milk
I usually just go with the flow. My fave snack is fruit, crackers, and string cheese!
I definitely try to have healthier snacks (fruit/veggies); lately, it has been so stressful at work I noticed I am struggling to avoid the non-healthy snacks (candy, etc.). Lol my motivation to not eat those types of items is Zuzana’s abs, so jealous!
I don’t snack, but know that I need to. I go way too long in between meals without e
ating!
I love to snack…sometimes a little too much, heh.
While I stick to healthy snacks, I could definitely limit how MUCH I’m snacking. I think I tend to look at a good snack as a reward system and need to change that mentality. Those cookbooks look so great! She is awesome and I would love to have some of her recipes on hand!
I love Ellie Kreiger’s recipes! They are always so fresh and delicious!
I love Ellie Krieger’s recipes and ideas. Always full of flavor and just as good, if not better, than the original counterparts, but better for you.
I just kind of go with the flow…if I’m hungry or not, but I tend to have granola bars or fruit for snacks. Peanut butter with crackers is a good one too!!
I’m a huge snacker so I can totally relate! And its true what ellie said regarding a mix of carbs, protein, and fats because when I have a sugar based snack, I’m still ravaneous 2 min later!
i def agree with your ideas for snacks to keep you satisfy – if i dont have a combo of carbs fat & protein i’m not as fully satisfied!
lately i have been really enjoying luna bars i wanted something a little different than the softer lara bars so I tried the luna bars and they are great, my favorites are pretzel and honey, oatmeal raisin and lemon zest. I usually take fruit like strawberries or watermelon to work as snacks too because they travel easily and aren’t messy. I also love baby carrots dipped in the supremely spicy hummus, I can’t remember the brand but its sold at most grocery stores and its delicious.
This is a great giveaway! I love Ellie Krieger!
Right now my favorite snacks (and meals) are smoothies. It’s be so hot lately that the thought of eating real meals is so unappealing, and you can pack a lot of the same nutrients into a smoothie.
I usually do the 3 meals, 2 snacks throughout the day. I love to have an apple with peanut butter for staying power or veggies with hummus.
I usually have at least 2 snackers a a day. Lately in my snacking rotation I’ve been doing lots of greek yogurt with strawberries and granola, air-popped popcorn with old bay, whole wheat crackers and string cheese, and banana’s with a little schmear of crazy richards pb. I also think chocolate macaroons would make a good snack for me : )
I tend to just have one snack in the afternoon – a piece of fruit or some granola. I have loved reading the other snack ideas!
My favorite snack has got to be a low-fat latte!