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 plan all of my snacks every day before i go to work and take them with me. That way I don’t have to hit up the vending machine. Lately I’ve been focusing on protein and I’ve been loving cottage cheese!
I always try to go with the flow, but I definitely have 2-3 snacks a day. I love raw veggies/pita on their own or sometimes with hummus. I am also guilty of relying on protein bars (such as clif builders when I am especially hungry haha). My goal is trying to cut down on the processed snacks!
I always have a mid-afternoon snack to tide me over ’til dinner. My current fave is a boiled egg with a wasa cracker spread with a wedge of laughing cow cheese.
I never have snacks in the house. Not because I don’t love to snack, but because I never think about them while I’m shopping. I don’t even know how that happens. When I do think to buy some – I love peanut butter on anything, larabars. I usually go for something sweet and have to make a serious effort to make sure it’s healthy.
I definitely try to go with the flow, simply because some days I’m hungrier than others, and I refuse to let myself go hungry! My favorite snacks are usually fresh fruit (apples, bananas, berries) with some nut butter for staying power. Lately I’ve been scrambling myself an egg with some spinach, though. I forgot how good savory can be!
I am an emotional, tired and bored snacker but some of my favorite snacks include yogurt and fruit, and your breakfast cookie (I call it no bake oatmeal cookie because I enjoy it at all hours during the day) made of oatmeal, athlete’s honey milk, craisins, ground cacao nibs and nut butter or a slice of whole wheat toast with nut butter, banana slices and honey drizzled on top. Mmmmm, I think it’s time for a snack 🙂
I am such a crazy snacker these days since I’m breastfeeding a hungry 3 month old! Some days I’m famished and some days I’m not. I find that I always have salt cravings in the afternoon and my go to healthy, salty snacks are roasted seaweed or dry roasted almonds from Trader Joes. I don’t know what it is about those almonds, but they are the best!
On work days I usually have three meals and two snacks. On the weekends though, I sometimes end up eating a late breakfast, snack instead of lunch and then dinner.
Such a planner and like to make sure I know what I am having for each meal including my snacks. I always keep nuts, Larabars, or kind bars in the car just in case I need a snack. Always prepared!!
I actually bought Pop Chips for the first time the other day and wowwww, they’re amazing. I’ve only had the Salt & Vinegar flavor so far, but now I’ll have to get the Sweet Potato!
I try to keep things on hand for snacks so that I don’t end up eating a lot of random stuff. I also try to incorporate healthy fats and protein for a little staying power. Do I ever just snack for a treat? You betcha!
I usually have 1-2 snacks every day. Lately, I’ve been having trail mix or a yogurt smoothie w/ frozen bananas and mangos, almond milk, yogurt, and honey.
I really challenge myself to be intuitive about my eating, and if I’m not being intuitive about snacking then I try to make it fruit-, veggie-, or whole grain-based. 🙂
I am the queen of snacks! My husband says I’m always snacking. However since I am very active and have an actve job I like to keep fuel in my tank to keep me going. Favorite snacks include: tj’s wasabi seaweed snacks, all veggies dipped in white miso, hummus, almond butter or cholula, fruit, sequels naturals bars, smoothies, and dried fruits and nuts. Love Ellie Krieger! 🙂
I typically go with the flow as far as snacking goes, especially during the summertime when my schedule isn’t as routine as it is the rest of the year (teacher). I’m definitely a snacker though and I always try to include some healthy protein into every snack I have.
I try to listen to my body to determine how many snacks I’ll eat each day. I’ve been exercising regularly for a few months now, and I have realized how hungrier I’ve become! I think it’s fine to eat as much as I want if I am truly hungry, but know it’s important for me to eat healthy snacks–not a bunch of junk!
I’m a teacher, so right now in the summer, my snack/meal routine is pretty erratic (not good), but during the school year, it’s very regimented with 3 meals and 2 snacks… a hungry teacher makes a mean teacher, haha!
Love Ellie Krieger! I used to love the Food Network, but then at some point I found almost all of the chefs to be really annoying. I still like Ellie and Alton Brown, but that’s about it! My favorite snack is cocoa covered sprouted almonds that I get from the bulk food section in my food co-op. I have to be careful and portion out a small amount though, or I’d eat the whole bag!
My favorite snack is a whole wheat tortilla with almond butter and spinach all wrapped up. I have at least 2-3 different snacks a day. Usually fruit or veggies.
I LOVE fruits and veggies as snacks, but I often think I love them too much and go a little crazy on the portions. How much does it take to overdo it? I’ve heard veggies can be unlimited, but that just seems too good to be true!
I’m more of a 4-5 snacks per day in lieu of meals person. I try to make most of my food from raw farmer’s market ingredients and whole grains, but that means a decent amount of preparation time. So I find it too hard to have several dishes ready at the same time for lunch and dinner… instead, I make a new dish every time I’m hungry.
I get up very early, 4:30 am, in order to lead cheerleading practice. I have eggs every morning, because they keep me filled up. But I get hungry about 9:30/10:00. I usually have a greek yogurt or oats to keep me full till lunch. I also eat oats if I want a little sweet snack, I will add peanut butter, oats, dried cranberries, and a little hot chocolate mix:)
My snacks vary, depending on whether I’m craving sweet or salty that day. Lately, I’ve been eating low fat string cheese dipped into marinara, so the pizza toast mentioned sounds like something I need to try!
I’m with you Gina! I go by the 5 small meals a day/3 meals & 2 snacks. (it varies day to day, depending what I’m doing). Snacks are such a staple for me, because I get super irritable and mean when I’m hungry. Not to mention my blood sugar drops and I can begin to feel weak! No fun! I love quick & portable snacks, fruit or nuts being 2 of my staples 🙂 I love apples or a pear and cinnamon & pb the most probably!
During the school year I have regimented snack times (when the kids have snack!) so it keeps me from snacking too often. I try to make sure my snacks have peanut butter or something with some staying power so I’m not hungry again in 20 minutes. I’m trying my best to keep the same sort of schedule this summer so I don’t oversnack too.
I am a huge snacked, but make sure they are healthy. I do eat 3 small meals a day with about 3 snacks thrown in there. Some of my favorites are fresh fruit (an apple, berries, fresh pineapple, grapefruit), yogurt or string cheese or cottage cheese, sliced peppers with hummus or carrot sticks with Greek yogurt ranch dip (just mix a half packet of ranch powder with Greek yogurt and viola…lightened up dip!) I also have pretzels or a 100 cal bag of popcorn when I’m craving salty.
I love your blog and looks like Great things are happening for you! Keep up the good work!
What a cool opportunity! I love Ellie as well and I think this is mainly because she seems to share the same whole food philosophy as me when it comes to nutrition. Like you, I try to make my snacks more satisfying by always ensuring that they include some form of protein, either lean chicken or turkey, fish, or a plant-based source like beans, legumes, or unprocessed soy (I love tempeh!!) When it comes to snack timing, I usually go with the flow which usually means more snacks on days that I workout and have a bigger appetite, and fewer on weekends when I’m out and generally more busy doing other things.
I snack on raw unsalted almonds with half an apple usually mid morning. My afternoon snack go to is fruit of some sort or hummus and veggie sticks that I keep cut up in the frig. If it’s been a really active day, I will have a piece of chocolate after dinner (as a reward for making it through the day ).
This was a great post! Love Ellie as well! And your blog!
Hi there! I’ve been following your blog for quite a while but this is my first time leaving a comment.
I work in a restaurant, which makes snacking (or not snacking) very difficult. I always try to figure out whether I really am hungry, or just thirsty. If I am hungry I’ll grab a baked sweet potato and try to eat it plain (brown sugar is always a temptation) or I’ll have a chocolate milk. When I go to the beach I always pack grapes and string cheese, or if I’m at home I’ll have some watermelon with feta cheese (before anyone says it sounds gross I suggest you try it, it is delish!). Growing up in post-communist eastern Europe, we could only find fruit when in season, so having a huge variety year round is like heaven for me.
Congrats on your appearance in Fitness! I started reading it and was a bit disappointed not to see you, then I turned the page and there you were! How cool!
I always try to have healthy snacks in the house. My kids love hummus! My friends and family
Always laugh when they come over though because I never have any “junk” food. Goldfish are the closest we have!
I plan all of my snacks every day before i go to work and take them with me. That way I don’t have to hit up the vending machine. Lately I’ve been focusing on protein and I’ve been loving cottage cheese!
I always try to go with the flow, but I definitely have 2-3 snacks a day. I love raw veggies/pita on their own or sometimes with hummus. I am also guilty of relying on protein bars (such as clif builders when I am especially hungry haha). My goal is trying to cut down on the processed snacks!
I always have a mid-afternoon snack to tide me over ’til dinner. My current fave is a boiled egg with a wasa cracker spread with a wedge of laughing cow cheese.
I usually have an afternoon and an evening snack – I like to have Greek yogurt + granola, fruit + almonds, or a homemade granola bar!
I never have snacks in the house. Not because I don’t love to snack, but because I never think about them while I’m shopping. I don’t even know how that happens. When I do think to buy some – I love peanut butter on anything, larabars. I usually go for something sweet and have to make a serious effort to make sure it’s healthy.
Apples and peanut butter is my favorite snack !
Celery and peanut butter are my favorite snack, but I also love me some Larabars!
I love peanut butter and apples and larabars!
I definitely try to go with the flow, simply because some days I’m hungrier than others, and I refuse to let myself go hungry! My favorite snacks are usually fresh fruit (apples, bananas, berries) with some nut butter for staying power. Lately I’ve been scrambling myself an egg with some spinach, though. I forgot how good savory can be!
My fav snack combo is a pack of raw nuts with fruit
I always have fruits on hand.
Only snack when I’m hungry, have hot tea when I’m bored!
I am an emotional, tired and bored snacker but some of my favorite snacks include yogurt and fruit, and your breakfast cookie (I call it no bake oatmeal cookie because I enjoy it at all hours during the day) made of oatmeal, athlete’s honey milk, craisins, ground cacao nibs and nut butter or a slice of whole wheat toast with nut butter, banana slices and honey drizzled on top. Mmmmm, I think it’s time for a snack 🙂
I am such a crazy snacker these days since I’m breastfeeding a hungry 3 month old! Some days I’m famished and some days I’m not. I find that I always have salt cravings in the afternoon and my go to healthy, salty snacks are roasted seaweed or dry roasted almonds from Trader Joes. I don’t know what it is about those almonds, but they are the best!
On work days I usually have three meals and two snacks. On the weekends though, I sometimes end up eating a late breakfast, snack instead of lunch and then dinner.
Such a planner and like to make sure I know what I am having for each meal including my snacks. I always keep nuts, Larabars, or kind bars in the car just in case I need a snack. Always prepared!!
I actually bought Pop Chips for the first time the other day and wowwww, they’re amazing. I’ve only had the Salt & Vinegar flavor so far, but now I’ll have to get the Sweet Potato!
I try to keep things on hand for snacks so that I don’t end up eating a lot of random stuff. I also try to incorporate healthy fats and protein for a little staying power. Do I ever just snack for a treat? You betcha!
I usually have 1-2 snacks every day. Lately, I’ve been having trail mix or a yogurt smoothie w/ frozen bananas and mangos, almond milk, yogurt, and honey.
I always have snacks with me. I love clif z bars, larabars, lunabars and nuts!
I really challenge myself to be intuitive about my eating, and if I’m not being intuitive about snacking then I try to make it fruit-, veggie-, or whole grain-based. 🙂
My favorite snack has to be my Very Berry Smoothies!
I am the queen of snacks! My husband says I’m always snacking. However since I am very active and have an actve job I like to keep fuel in my tank to keep me going. Favorite snacks include: tj’s wasabi seaweed snacks, all veggies dipped in white miso, hummus, almond butter or cholula, fruit, sequels naturals bars, smoothies, and dried fruits and nuts. Love Ellie Krieger! 🙂
I typically go with the flow as far as snacking goes, especially during the summertime when my schedule isn’t as routine as it is the rest of the year (teacher). I’m definitely a snacker though and I always try to include some healthy protein into every snack I have.
I love Ellie. When i get into a kitchen slump, her recipes always inspire me to come up with new meal ideas!
I try to listen to my body to determine how many snacks I’ll eat each day. I’ve been exercising regularly for a few months now, and I have realized how hungrier I’ve become! I think it’s fine to eat as much as I want if I am truly hungry, but know it’s important for me to eat healthy snacks–not a bunch of junk!
I always include protein in my snacks, and I don’t buy things that are unhealthy or that I would eat too much of to keep in the house.
I’m a teacher, so right now in the summer, my snack/meal routine is pretty erratic (not good), but during the school year, it’s very regimented with 3 meals and 2 snacks… a hungry teacher makes a mean teacher, haha!
My favorite snack while I’m at work is pistachios. After work I have some TJ’s popcorn 🙂
Every afternoon I have a smoothie. I know it’s coming after lunch, and then I’m not starving for supper.
Love Ellie Krieger! I used to love the Food Network, but then at some point I found almost all of the chefs to be really annoying. I still like Ellie and Alton Brown, but that’s about it! My favorite snack is cocoa covered sprouted almonds that I get from the bulk food section in my food co-op. I have to be careful and portion out a small amount though, or I’d eat the whole bag!
My favorite snack is almonds with a couple dates and a piece of string cheese. The flavors and texture compliments each other, in my opinion atleast!
“Boyfriends being a punk. Have a snack.” lol!
That snack would have to involve dark chocolate. 😉
My favorite snack right now is apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and a little bit of almond butter. Yum!
I would love those books! Snacks for me are usually larabars or lunabars.
I usually snack on almonds, fruit, or veggies and hummus.
Anything with peanut butter is great for me! Fills me up and is always delish!
My favorite snack is a whole wheat tortilla with almond butter and spinach all wrapped up. I have at least 2-3 different snacks a day. Usually fruit or veggies.
I LOVE fruits and veggies as snacks, but I often think I love them too much and go a little crazy on the portions. How much does it take to overdo it? I’ve heard veggies can be unlimited, but that just seems too good to be true!
I’m more of a 4-5 snacks per day in lieu of meals person. I try to make most of my food from raw farmer’s market ingredients and whole grains, but that means a decent amount of preparation time. So I find it too hard to have several dishes ready at the same time for lunch and dinner… instead, I make a new dish every time I’m hungry.
I get up very early, 4:30 am, in order to lead cheerleading practice. I have eggs every morning, because they keep me filled up. But I get hungry about 9:30/10:00. I usually have a greek yogurt or oats to keep me full till lunch. I also eat oats if I want a little sweet snack, I will add peanut butter, oats, dried cranberries, and a little hot chocolate mix:)
My snacks vary, depending on whether I’m craving sweet or salty that day. Lately, I’ve been eating low fat string cheese dipped into marinara, so the pizza toast mentioned sounds like something I need to try!
I’m with you Gina! I go by the 5 small meals a day/3 meals & 2 snacks. (it varies day to day, depending what I’m doing). Snacks are such a staple for me, because I get super irritable and mean when I’m hungry. Not to mention my blood sugar drops and I can begin to feel weak! No fun! I love quick & portable snacks, fruit or nuts being 2 of my staples 🙂 I love apples or a pear and cinnamon & pb the most probably!
During the school year I have regimented snack times (when the kids have snack!) so it keeps me from snacking too often. I try to make sure my snacks have peanut butter or something with some staying power so I’m not hungry again in 20 minutes. I’m trying my best to keep the same sort of schedule this summer so I don’t oversnack too.
I am a huge snacked, but make sure they are healthy. I do eat 3 small meals a day with about 3 snacks thrown in there. Some of my favorites are fresh fruit (an apple, berries, fresh pineapple, grapefruit), yogurt or string cheese or cottage cheese, sliced peppers with hummus or carrot sticks with Greek yogurt ranch dip (just mix a half packet of ranch powder with Greek yogurt and viola…lightened up dip!) I also have pretzels or a 100 cal bag of popcorn when I’m craving salty.
I love your blog and looks like Great things are happening for you! Keep up the good work!
I agree with you, Gina. I’ve been a fan of Ellie for a long time. She rocks!
What a cool opportunity! I love Ellie as well and I think this is mainly because she seems to share the same whole food philosophy as me when it comes to nutrition. Like you, I try to make my snacks more satisfying by always ensuring that they include some form of protein, either lean chicken or turkey, fish, or a plant-based source like beans, legumes, or unprocessed soy (I love tempeh!!) When it comes to snack timing, I usually go with the flow which usually means more snacks on days that I workout and have a bigger appetite, and fewer on weekends when I’m out and generally more busy doing other things.
I snack on raw unsalted almonds with half an apple usually mid morning. My afternoon snack go to is fruit of some sort or hummus and veggie sticks that I keep cut up in the frig. If it’s been a really active day, I will have a piece of chocolate after dinner (as a reward for making it through the day ).
This was a great post! Love Ellie as well! And your blog!
Hi there! I’ve been following your blog for quite a while but this is my first time leaving a comment.
I work in a restaurant, which makes snacking (or not snacking) very difficult. I always try to figure out whether I really am hungry, or just thirsty. If I am hungry I’ll grab a baked sweet potato and try to eat it plain (brown sugar is always a temptation) or I’ll have a chocolate milk. When I go to the beach I always pack grapes and string cheese, or if I’m at home I’ll have some watermelon with feta cheese (before anyone says it sounds gross I suggest you try it, it is delish!). Growing up in post-communist eastern Europe, we could only find fruit when in season, so having a huge variety year round is like heaven for me.
Congrats on your appearance in Fitness! I started reading it and was a bit disappointed not to see you, then I turned the page and there you were! How cool!
I always try to have healthy snacks in the house. My kids love hummus! My friends and family
Always laugh when they come over though because I never have any “junk” food. Goldfish are the closest we have!
i love snacking on almonds or any kind of nuts. i love a piece of fruit as well, or protein bar. thats cool you got to do this intereview!