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 love snacks so much – sometimes I actually prefer to have several snacks instead of bigger meals. I have to be careful though! Right now, one of my favorite guilt-free snacks is frozen watermelon. It is seriously so amazing. You can also use it for healthy watermelon margaritas. 🙂
I am SUCH a snacker! I usually have a snack in between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. I try to keep my snacks around 200 calories each so that they don’t get our of control. I used to never snack because I was afraid of consuming those extra calories but now I cannot IMAGINE a day without sancking! It keeps my metabolism revved up and actually promotes healthier eating! If I go too long without eating and wait until I am absolutely starving for my next meal I find that I make unhealthy choices and WAY overeat!
I usually have three meals and two snacks, but my second snack comes pretty shortly after dinner and it’s usually something sweeter and is more of a dessert type thing. Life is too short not to eat dessert every day!
Fun fact: I designed that Ellie book jacket! My name is on the back flap. 🙂
Ellie is awesome. Her recipes are delicious and you would never know that they’re low calorie and low fat.
I went on the photoshoot for this book cover, and it was my second time meeting Ellie. She is even prettier in person and so sweet. She was so kind to me and everyone else on the shoot. Not ever celebrity is a diva. 😉
I usually find that I don’t need a mid-morning snack, but I am always hungry in the afternoon and after dinner. If I snack on fruit, I won’t be full so I try to have things like trail mix..it’s so fun to create your own! Also, my latest favorite post dinner snack dessert thing is dates stuffed with nut butter and a chocolate chip, melted in the microwave! Sooo yummy
I usually wake up around 5:30AM and don’t get back home until after 11PM, so I end up snacking quite a bit. I would say 4 or 5 times a day, depending on what time I work out…
I always snack mid afternoon, and mid morning if I am out of the house really early.
My favorite, and most satisfying, afternoon snack is a small protein smoothie with sun warrior (I like the natural), cocoa and almond butter, it is delicious and does the trick!
Ana
I try to have 3 meals and 2 snacks…if I work out or feel really weak and lightheaded I will add in something higher in protein- I try to listen to my body- emotional eating is so hard to overcome!
I always have an afternoon snack, and sometimes an evening snack as well — though I need to focus on reducing the size of my evening snacks! I’ll have an apple with peanut butter, hummus with veggies, or sometimes fresh berries and some nuts.
I really like Ellie Krieger. I always learn something good from her.
As for snacks, I try to have fruit or veggies with a protein. That fills me up and keeps the “grumpies” away! Plus I like my kids to learn that mindless munching is no bueno, so I have to set a good example. Faves are Apple and almond butter or pepper slices and goat cheese, or steamed egg with cholula hot sauce and celery/carrots.
I am a major snacker – particularly in the afternoon/evening. Often I am snacking out of boredom or for a “reward” and not out of hunger, so I’m trying to be more mindful of it while at the same time choosing healthy snack foods.
I snack all day long! I like plain greek yogurt, sweetened with a little honey and tons of walnuts on top. I also like hummus/veggies/sneak some sweet potato chips in there too 😉 My most satisfying snacks (and meals) have fat in them (in the form of avocado, olive oil, etc).
I probably have 2-3 snacks per day depending on the size of my meals. My favorite healthy choices are fresh veggies and hummus or an apple and nut butter. It just depends if i’m in a sweet or salty mood.
I’m a good snacker but a bad volume eater. I just got out of college and I think I’m not used to not needing the fuel to literally grow anymore. What I eat is really great- but I eat too much of it though and now that I’m 21, I just don’t need the fuel anymore.
Love your blog Gina –
My favorite afternoon go to snacks are string cheese and raw unsalted walnuts or almonds.
The string cheese packs about 6 grams of protein and a couple of fat – so it keeps me satisfied until the next meal. It’s easy to grab going out the door or throw into your lunch bag and…it’s already portion controlled. The raw unsalted walnuts or almonds are also very satisfying …but important to portion out so you’re not overeating. Have a great day everybody!
I snack quite a bit, because I suffer from hypoglycemia, so I definitely need to keep my blood sugar levels stable through out the day. If I work, I mostly rely on nutrient dense foods like nuts and fruits and homemade protein bars or a smoothie to sip on while working.
I’ve learned that I have to go with the flow. Depending on the day I might be really hungry or I might only eat twice. Overall though, I’m not one for big meals and instead eat usually ~5 small meals a day. I don’t really have a standard breakfast lunch and dinner, and instead have random meals spaced ~3 hours apart ranging from a banana, to a salad and soup, or popcorn(for breakfast!).
My drive home from work can be anywhere from 30-60 minutes, and I occasionally have to work later, making me just a teeny tiny crabby by the time I get home. A larabar or gf crackers with a little bit of goat cheese do wonders and keep me from walking right past my husband when I get home on my way to throw down whatever is in the pantry.
I find if I sip from a water bottle during the day, I am more likely to snack only if I’m really hungry. It keeps me from bored snacking or from mistaking thirst for hunger. When I do snack, I’ll grab some cold grapes/berries along with a slice of turkey or maybe a portion of an energy bar for a quick bite.
If I could I would snack the day away. I prefer balanced, nutritious snacks over meals anytime, considering that salad can be a snack. Snacking keeps my energy up way more than if I were to eat 3 big meals.
My snacking strategy is to trust my cravings and eat what sounds good, but also adding some protein and fats into the mix to make it even more satisfying!
I try and have 3 meals and two snacks although I do have days where I tend to have more snacks and less actual meals (something to work on). I try and have carb/protein/fat at each meal and snack. My favorite snack at the moment just so happens to be Larabars!!
I’m a big fan of snacks. I feel the best and stay full longer when my snack has protein and is fresh. An apple and almond butter is my go-to. At work though, I have very little time to snack, but I try to get in a granola bar and piece of fruit in addition to my lunch. That way, I’m not starving when I get home.
Love the ideas you have for smart snacking…I need to make the amazing balls again…the last time I tried them they were gone in a day or two. Not just me eating them my husband and son loved them as well. I also love the different salad ideas you post. I love having a salad every day. Just something about the fresh crunch of the veggies that makes it so good. Keep up the good ideas.
I typically have breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. May add in a snack after breakfast and take out afternoon one if really hungry mid-morning. May also just have break-fast, lunch, dinner and then evening snack. Just depends on my hunger, which is typically dictated by how much I worked out (usually based on the previous day). I usually snack on fruits and nuts/dark chocolate 😉 yogurt and nut butter, fruit and yogurt. I love Greek yogurt…so much proteinnnnn 🙂
I like to have several mini meals throughout the day. Some of my go to snacks are: cheese & apple, nuts & raisins/dried apricots, dates stuffed with almond butter, frozen grapes & cottage cheese. If I’m working from home, I will make a huge salad (I mean huge, I fill my entire sharper image salad spinner bowl), with tons of greens, berries, chicken/turkey, veggies & cheese, then I snack from it all throughout the day.
I usually have Greek yogurt almost every day as a snack. Other faves include cheese slices, apples with peanut or almond butter, cottage cheese, turkey rolls, Kashi crackers/bars, healthy trail mix, sweet potato fries, and parmesan kale chips. Yes, I like snacks haha. And I would love to win those cookbooks!!!
I really function well with the three traditional meals, and if I eat a big enough breakfast, I can usually make it until lunch without any problems. If I do need a snack I TRY to chose a healthier option like pumpkin seeds, Greek yogurt, apples, or Triscuits. I also love cheese. And trail mix or some sort of nut.
I definitely consider myself a “grazer”. I’ve tried eating larger meals and less snacks, but it just does not work for me!
i go with the flow….if im hungry, ill eat. if not, i wont 🙂
I love snacking and i normally eat some bars (like the Larabars but we don’t have them in Switzerland) or some fruit or veggies! xxx Nadja
I love snacks so much – sometimes I actually prefer to have several snacks instead of bigger meals. I have to be careful though! Right now, one of my favorite guilt-free snacks is frozen watermelon. It is seriously so amazing. You can also use it for healthy watermelon margaritas. 🙂
I am SUCH a snacker! I usually have a snack in between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. I try to keep my snacks around 200 calories each so that they don’t get our of control. I used to never snack because I was afraid of consuming those extra calories but now I cannot IMAGINE a day without sancking! It keeps my metabolism revved up and actually promotes healthier eating! If I go too long without eating and wait until I am absolutely starving for my next meal I find that I make unhealthy choices and WAY overeat!
I love snack plates- a variety of veggies, fruit, nuts- whatever is around. I love to share to with others to keep my portions appropriate.
I am pregnant with my first child and I would love to get some new, healthy recipe ideas from Elie’s book!
I try to only snack on fruits and veggies during the day, with lots of water and tea!
I go with the flow in terms of snacking, but I make sure to have instant oatmeal on hand at home and at work because it fills me up!
I usually have three meals and two snacks, but my second snack comes pretty shortly after dinner and it’s usually something sweeter and is more of a dessert type thing. Life is too short not to eat dessert every day!
Fun fact: I designed that Ellie book jacket! My name is on the back flap. 🙂
Ellie is awesome. Her recipes are delicious and you would never know that they’re low calorie and low fat.
I went on the photoshoot for this book cover, and it was my second time meeting Ellie. She is even prettier in person and so sweet. She was so kind to me and everyone else on the shoot. Not ever celebrity is a diva. 😉
I’m pregnant right now so I am eating more snacks than usual, but on a usual day I have about 3 snacks.
I love me some homemade granola bars to snack on!
I have a snacking problem, especially late at night after dinner.
I usually find that I don’t need a mid-morning snack, but I am always hungry in the afternoon and after dinner. If I snack on fruit, I won’t be full so I try to have things like trail mix..it’s so fun to create your own! Also, my latest favorite post dinner snack dessert thing is dates stuffed with nut butter and a chocolate chip, melted in the microwave! Sooo yummy
I usually wake up around 5:30AM and don’t get back home until after 11PM, so I end up snacking quite a bit. I would say 4 or 5 times a day, depending on what time I work out…
My snacks are random, some days it’s just popcorn to munch or I need more filling things like a fruit+nut butter combo.
I always snack mid afternoon, and mid morning if I am out of the house really early.
My favorite, and most satisfying, afternoon snack is a small protein smoothie with sun warrior (I like the natural), cocoa and almond butter, it is delicious and does the trick!
Ana
I love snacks and usually have high-fiber crackers with almond butter or a bar of some sort.
I try to have 3 meals and 2 snacks…if I work out or feel really weak and lightheaded I will add in something higher in protein- I try to listen to my body- emotional eating is so hard to overcome!
I love anything with almond butter for a filling snack!
I always have an afternoon snack, and sometimes an evening snack as well — though I need to focus on reducing the size of my evening snacks! I’ll have an apple with peanut butter, hummus with veggies, or sometimes fresh berries and some nuts.
I really like Ellie Krieger. I always learn something good from her.
As for snacks, I try to have fruit or veggies with a protein. That fills me up and keeps the “grumpies” away! Plus I like my kids to learn that mindless munching is no bueno, so I have to set a good example. Faves are Apple and almond butter or pepper slices and goat cheese, or steamed egg with cholula hot sauce and celery/carrots.
I’ve been trying to scale down my snacking, but I would say I probably have one in between lunch and supper and one after supper.
I am a major snacker – particularly in the afternoon/evening. Often I am snacking out of boredom or for a “reward” and not out of hunger, so I’m trying to be more mindful of it while at the same time choosing healthy snack foods.
I am loving roasted edamame lately! Very tasty and high in protein!
I snack all day long! I like plain greek yogurt, sweetened with a little honey and tons of walnuts on top. I also like hummus/veggies/sneak some sweet potato chips in there too 😉 My most satisfying snacks (and meals) have fat in them (in the form of avocado, olive oil, etc).
A healthy smoothie is a great snack
I probably have 2-3 snacks per day depending on the size of my meals. My favorite healthy choices are fresh veggies and hummus or an apple and nut butter. It just depends if i’m in a sweet or salty mood.
I’m a good snacker but a bad volume eater. I just got out of college and I think I’m not used to not needing the fuel to literally grow anymore. What I eat is really great- but I eat too much of it though and now that I’m 21, I just don’t need the fuel anymore.
Love your blog Gina –
My favorite afternoon go to snacks are string cheese and raw unsalted walnuts or almonds.
The string cheese packs about 6 grams of protein and a couple of fat – so it keeps me satisfied until the next meal. It’s easy to grab going out the door or throw into your lunch bag and…it’s already portion controlled. The raw unsalted walnuts or almonds are also very satisfying …but important to portion out so you’re not overeating. Have a great day everybody!
I snack quite a bit, because I suffer from hypoglycemia, so I definitely need to keep my blood sugar levels stable through out the day. If I work, I mostly rely on nutrient dense foods like nuts and fruits and homemade protein bars or a smoothie to sip on while working.
I’ve learned that I have to go with the flow. Depending on the day I might be really hungry or I might only eat twice. Overall though, I’m not one for big meals and instead eat usually ~5 small meals a day. I don’t really have a standard breakfast lunch and dinner, and instead have random meals spaced ~3 hours apart ranging from a banana, to a salad and soup, or popcorn(for breakfast!).
My drive home from work can be anywhere from 30-60 minutes, and I occasionally have to work later, making me just a teeny tiny crabby by the time I get home. A larabar or gf crackers with a little bit of goat cheese do wonders and keep me from walking right past my husband when I get home on my way to throw down whatever is in the pantry.
I find if I sip from a water bottle during the day, I am more likely to snack only if I’m really hungry. It keeps me from bored snacking or from mistaking thirst for hunger. When I do snack, I’ll grab some cold grapes/berries along with a slice of turkey or maybe a portion of an energy bar for a quick bite.
If I could I would snack the day away. I prefer balanced, nutritious snacks over meals anytime, considering that salad can be a snack. Snacking keeps my energy up way more than if I were to eat 3 big meals.
My snacking strategy is to trust my cravings and eat what sounds good, but also adding some protein and fats into the mix to make it even more satisfying!
thanks for this giveaway!
I like to snack too… makes me energized without being overly full. I do a Larabar, some fruit, or a greek yogurt with blueberries.
I try and have 3 meals and two snacks although I do have days where I tend to have more snacks and less actual meals (something to work on). I try and have carb/protein/fat at each meal and snack. My favorite snack at the moment just so happens to be Larabars!!
I’m a big fan of snacks. I feel the best and stay full longer when my snack has protein and is fresh. An apple and almond butter is my go-to. At work though, I have very little time to snack, but I try to get in a granola bar and piece of fruit in addition to my lunch. That way, I’m not starving when I get home.
love ellie krieger… always used to watch her show on the food network back in the day! i love hummus + veggies as a go-to snack… yum!
Love the ideas you have for smart snacking…I need to make the amazing balls again…the last time I tried them they were gone in a day or two. Not just me eating them my husband and son loved them as well. I also love the different salad ideas you post. I love having a salad every day. Just something about the fresh crunch of the veggies that makes it so good. Keep up the good ideas.
Smoothies! Amazeballs! Apples and peanut butter! I definitely snack more on days that I work out more, which I guess makes sense. 🙂
I used to watch her show too! i love an apple with cheese, its yummy, fills me up, and lets me enjoy my cheese obsession!
dates and walnuts–super filing!
I typically have breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. May add in a snack after breakfast and take out afternoon one if really hungry mid-morning. May also just have break-fast, lunch, dinner and then evening snack. Just depends on my hunger, which is typically dictated by how much I worked out (usually based on the previous day). I usually snack on fruits and nuts/dark chocolate 😉 yogurt and nut butter, fruit and yogurt. I love Greek yogurt…so much proteinnnnn 🙂
I like to have several mini meals throughout the day. Some of my go to snacks are: cheese & apple, nuts & raisins/dried apricots, dates stuffed with almond butter, frozen grapes & cottage cheese. If I’m working from home, I will make a huge salad (I mean huge, I fill my entire sharper image salad spinner bowl), with tons of greens, berries, chicken/turkey, veggies & cheese, then I snack from it all throughout the day.
I usually have Greek yogurt almost every day as a snack. Other faves include cheese slices, apples with peanut or almond butter, cottage cheese, turkey rolls, Kashi crackers/bars, healthy trail mix, sweet potato fries, and parmesan kale chips. Yes, I like snacks haha. And I would love to win those cookbooks!!!
I really function well with the three traditional meals, and if I eat a big enough breakfast, I can usually make it until lunch without any problems. If I do need a snack I TRY to chose a healthier option like pumpkin seeds, Greek yogurt, apples, or Triscuits. I also love cheese. And trail mix or some sort of nut.