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!)
My snacks often turn into mini-meals. I can’t seem to find an ending point with snacks so I typically just avoid them and stick to meals. It works for me!
I usually always feel ravenous after a snack. I think they usually just kick start my appetite. Lately I’ve been trying to drink more water (especially before I eat), and that seems to be helping.
I generally have a snack between lunch and dinner and occasionally one after dinner – favorites include carrots/sugar snap peas and hummus, larabars, nuts, dried fruit, apples or berries. After dinner are usually sweeter – berries, small smoothies or banana soft serve!
I love Ellie Krieger, she’s so inspiring!! My favorite snack right now is a piece of GF toast topped with whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon and sundried tomatoes. Yum!
I like things that occupy me for longer so I don’t feel unsatisfied like when I eat something quick. Rather than a bar or smoothie I eat berries or pita chips. Or pomegranates! Those take a long time to eat 🙂 but changing it IP a lot keeps it fun.
I’m a big time snacker! I usually go with the flow. Lots of little things throughout the day. But I always have something between lunch and dinner, like a protein bar, because that’s usually before my workout.
I have always struggled with snacks. My favorite though is a fruit & cheese combo. The cheese is rich and flavorfull while the fruit is a nice sweet way to end the snack. Its a good sweet and savory combination.
I usually go with the flow when it comes to snacks, but there have been one too many times when I overstuffed myself with random goodies from the pantry. I need to learn how to portion things out better and not constantly reach for seconds…or thirds! :p
I usually have 3 snacks. Almonds and carrot sticks and a granola bar are my normal snacks, but I also generally eat a snack after dinner. It’s usually something unhealthy like a cookie or icecream. I need to work on eating more at dinner or finding a healthier alternative after dinner.
I’m such a snacker! Lately I’ve been snacking on watermelon with a squirt of lime and sprinkle of sea salt (I totally stole that idea from you). But I’m big on olives. I hit up the olive bar at the store every week. My favorite are green olives stuffed with whole garlic cloves. About 6 of those is the most satisfying snack I’ve ever had.
3 main meals and about 3 snacks in between. I am very active and would be starving other wise. Lots of greek yogurt, berries, nuts, sweet potatoes, and cereal!
I often struggle with picking the right snacks myself. My strategy usually revolves around my workday, so I have to pack up everything I want to eat in advance. This is very important so that I don’t end up at the vending machine at 3PM. My snacks are usually larabars, carrots with hummus, raw almonds, fruit or cheese.
I work for myself so my schedule varies widely through out the week so I am a fan of snacking through out the day since I dont always have time to sit and eat a full meal – I try to eat every 2 hours. My favorite combos are almonds & cherries or red peppers & string cheese. I divide all of my snacks (cut and prep) at the beginning of the week so I dont have to think about it for the rest of week, just grab and go!
Hi Gina! Most of all I’d love to try those macaroons! 🙂 But I love Ellie and actually used to watch her all the time on Food network- and own her first cookbook already! She has a fantastic balanced take on healthy eating- it’s just sane, focused on whole fresh ingredients and very doable in real life.
I snack maybe 1-2 times a day max, but I’m not a huge snacker. When I need a distraction, I’ll usually check blogs/pinterest/instagram/twitter…it’s endless now isn’t it? When I do need a snack fix, my fallback is a fresh apple, a green smoothie or veggie based soup, or a 1/4 cup of nuts (usually almonds or pumpkin seeds). One of my favorites for a hot day is frozen blueberries in almond milk- let it sit for about a minute and it turns the milk slushi and it’s like a quick sorbet!
I try to have only one snack when I get off of work in the afternoon. On the weekends though I tend to be a bit more loose and eat more throughout the day, but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that I’m home and have access to the kitchen all day!
I try to limit my snacks because otherwise I’ll snack all day long! Some of my faves are picky bars, string cheese and carrots and hummus. If I’m feeling like junky snacks I’ll get cheese its but those are usually a special treat.
PS. I love the part where Ellie says “Boyfriend being a punk? Have a snack” that cracked me up!
Snacking can go horribly wrong for me if I don’t pack my own snacks, I am a nanny so I work out of someone else’s home, but if make time to pack them myself I will have 2 snacks a day and that could be a piece of fruit and pre measured nuts or a soy yogurt and fruit.
I usually have two snacks – one b/w breakfast and lunch, one b/w lunch and dinner. I try to make sure they’re high in protein. And then I let myself have fruit/veggies on their own as “free” snacks through the day. I’d like to get better at planning, but at least i”m not eating cheetos anymore 🙂
Okay I’ll be honest, I have a huge snacking problem, as in I hardly eat meals and pretty much just snack or munch all day long. I’m currently unemployed so having not much to do all day leads me to snacking all day just constantly eating, but I’m definitely going to try that 20 minute suggestion of ellies, in fact I’m attempting it now.
I usually have a lara bar or a macro bar for a snack or an apple dipped in sunflower seed butter- yum! I limit snacks to once or twice a day and only have them if I am really hungry.
Since im a performer I need healthy snacks I can eat during and between shows that won’t weigh me down. I love cherries, sugar snap peas, carrots, almonds, peanut butter sandwiches. For me between show meal I love turkey or fish with broccoli, brown rice and avocado and salsa. I also do love coffee
I go with the slow with snacks. It really depends on how active my day is. During school, I eat snacks all the time. But I also have a really quick lunch, so I don’t eat lots then. If I am coaching afterward, I need a snack for sure!
I’m not the biggest fan of Lara Bars (shocking I know), but I loovvvve Clif Bars. I also like veggies with hummus, fruit and the occasional donut (not like half of you don’t induge sometimes 🙂 hehe)
One of my fave snacks is my own popped popcorn (in a pot, not a microwave). I do not like things coated in salt – so I don’t put any on. I do put some butter (key is some, not soaked). SO yummy!
I usually just go with the flow, but lately an apple with some peanut butter has tasted heavenly. If I really want to add a bit more oomph, I’ll dip it in granola. YUM!!
I usually have two snacks a day. I eat lunch at 12:00, but I don’t get off work until 6:30. So I will usually have a snack about 3:15 and then some grapes on my way home. That way I am not staving when I get home and make bad choices.
I usually have like two snacks. One in the mid-morning. (often any type of fruit) And another one in late afternoon. I allow me some cashews. yuummmy!:)
Im a big snacker! Depending on my schedule I may have 2 bfasts, lunch, dinner with 2-3 snacks in there. I love luna and lara bars, almonds, cottage cheese&pita chips and fruit for my snacks.
I always have an afternoon snack, usually an apple/nuts/dried cereal. I definitely can’t make it to dinner without a snack. I’ll sometimes have nuts in the late a.m. too. peanut butter on apples with raisins is a great snack to tide you over!
I like to have 3 meals and 2 snacks throughout the day if I can. With a baby sometimes its hard to get snacks in but I always notice a difference in how I feel when I have them (less hungry and crazy! Haha). I love Lara bars, apple with almond butter and nuts for snacks. Since summer shape up I’ve gotten lot’s of new ideas too like protein yogurt with fruit!
Some grat healthy snacks “baked” corn tortilla’s in the toaster oven dipped in cold marinara sauce for an Italian twist on chips and salsa!
My go to snack is always a small smoothie…always keeps me full!
I snack a lot – on days when I work I don’t really stop snacking. If food is around, I’ll eat it. I’m trying to work on this, but I always make sure I have healthy snacks. Most of the time I just eat fruits and vegetables, and sometimes a little chocolate.
I live for snacks and am loving reading about all of the great ideas to add some variety to my life! My favorite fulfilling snack is probably a smoothie made with greek yogurt, orange juice, frozen mango, 1/2 scoop of vanilla sun warrior + a small handful of spinach. Hits the spot every time!
I like to eat a snack in between breakfast and lunch and another between lunch and dinner. If I don’t snack I am starving by the next meal and I end up eating too much. I like to cut up veggies and have some hummus or eat fruit and string cheese. I love summer because of all of the fruit so during this time of year I like to take advantage of the many fruit options as my snack (and even dessert).
i usually have a couple snacks – mid-afternoon and then another snack to hold me over until dinner. i love snacking on fruit, yogurt, eggs, or almonds.
The only planned snack I have is after dinner and 99% of the time it’s frozen yogurt. I can’t ever get enough of it. I generally have a few snacks during the day at work but sadly I don’t plan them.
I usually have three meals and three meals and two snacks. I try to schedule the times so if I’m bored at work I don’t just eat more. Those cookbooks look great!
I snack when I’m hungry, usually once a day, my favorite is plain yogurt with berries and homemade granola sprinkled on top! I also eat larabars quite frequently or a banana with almond butter
I try not to snack unless I have a hard workout or long run. My favorite snacks are green apples orbananas with almond or new fav sunflower seed butter. I am dying to try your macaroons;)
A recent favorite of mine has been a baby cranberry fiber muffin from TJ’s, crumbled up with almond milk and berries in a bowl! It’s so tasty! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of hemp or a drizzle of almond butter 🙂
Love me some snacks!! I find it fun experimenting with new healthy snack ideas! Some of my favorites include Greek yogurt with granola, small smoothies, bananas with almond butter and healthy cookies! Dying to try your famous maccaroons!!!
I have had to redefine what I think of as a “snack” — I used to snack on junk food and use it as an excuse to have a treat. “Oh, it’s just a snack, not that bad,” but that isn’t so if you’re eating throughout the day on chips, ice cream, etc. etc. Now, I snack throughout the day, but on healthy things like fruits and veggies with nut butter, LUNA bars and other things that are healthy.
I usually eat 2 snacks a day, one mid-morning and one in the afternoon. I love to eat a bowl of cereal with milk!
My snacks often turn into mini-meals. I can’t seem to find an ending point with snacks so I typically just avoid them and stick to meals. It works for me!
I usually always feel ravenous after a snack. I think they usually just kick start my appetite. Lately I’ve been trying to drink more water (especially before I eat), and that seems to be helping.
I generally have a snack between lunch and dinner and occasionally one after dinner – favorites include carrots/sugar snap peas and hummus, larabars, nuts, dried fruit, apples or berries. After dinner are usually sweeter – berries, small smoothies or banana soft serve!
I love Ellie Krieger, she’s so inspiring!! My favorite snack right now is a piece of GF toast topped with whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon and sundried tomatoes. Yum!
I like things that occupy me for longer so I don’t feel unsatisfied like when I eat something quick. Rather than a bar or smoothie I eat berries or pita chips. Or pomegranates! Those take a long time to eat 🙂 but changing it IP a lot keeps it fun.
I’m a big time snacker! I usually go with the flow. Lots of little things throughout the day. But I always have something between lunch and dinner, like a protein bar, because that’s usually before my workout.
I am a huge snacker! Sometimes I snack so much I don’t have a real “lunch”! Right now I am loving veggie straws from Costco….so addicting! 🙂
I have always struggled with snacks. My favorite though is a fruit & cheese combo. The cheese is rich and flavorfull while the fruit is a nice sweet way to end the snack. Its a good sweet and savory combination.
I usually go with the flow when it comes to snacks, but there have been one too many times when I overstuffed myself with random goodies from the pantry. I need to learn how to portion things out better and not constantly reach for seconds…or thirds! :p
I usually eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day 🙂
I usually have 3 snacks. Almonds and carrot sticks and a granola bar are my normal snacks, but I also generally eat a snack after dinner. It’s usually something unhealthy like a cookie or icecream. I need to work on eating more at dinner or finding a healthier alternative after dinner.
Oh how I love to snack all day long!
I like snacking on fruits and larabars.
I’m such a snacker! Lately I’ve been snacking on watermelon with a squirt of lime and sprinkle of sea salt (I totally stole that idea from you). But I’m big on olives. I hit up the olive bar at the store every week. My favorite are green olives stuffed with whole garlic cloves. About 6 of those is the most satisfying snack I’ve ever had.
3 main meals and about 3 snacks in between. I am very active and would be starving other wise. Lots of greek yogurt, berries, nuts, sweet potatoes, and cereal!
I often struggle with picking the right snacks myself. My strategy usually revolves around my workday, so I have to pack up everything I want to eat in advance. This is very important so that I don’t end up at the vending machine at 3PM. My snacks are usually larabars, carrots with hummus, raw almonds, fruit or cheese.
I work for myself so my schedule varies widely through out the week so I am a fan of snacking through out the day since I dont always have time to sit and eat a full meal – I try to eat every 2 hours. My favorite combos are almonds & cherries or red peppers & string cheese. I divide all of my snacks (cut and prep) at the beginning of the week so I dont have to think about it for the rest of week, just grab and go!
Hi Gina! Most of all I’d love to try those macaroons! 🙂 But I love Ellie and actually used to watch her all the time on Food network- and own her first cookbook already! She has a fantastic balanced take on healthy eating- it’s just sane, focused on whole fresh ingredients and very doable in real life.
I snack maybe 1-2 times a day max, but I’m not a huge snacker. When I need a distraction, I’ll usually check blogs/pinterest/instagram/twitter…it’s endless now isn’t it? When I do need a snack fix, my fallback is a fresh apple, a green smoothie or veggie based soup, or a 1/4 cup of nuts (usually almonds or pumpkin seeds). One of my favorites for a hot day is frozen blueberries in almond milk- let it sit for about a minute and it turns the milk slushi and it’s like a quick sorbet!
I try to have only one snack when I get off of work in the afternoon. On the weekends though I tend to be a bit more loose and eat more throughout the day, but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that I’m home and have access to the kitchen all day!
I try to limit my snacks because otherwise I’ll snack all day long! Some of my faves are picky bars, string cheese and carrots and hummus. If I’m feeling like junky snacks I’ll get cheese its but those are usually a special treat.
PS. I love the part where Ellie says “Boyfriend being a punk? Have a snack” that cracked me up!
i said that 😉
Snacking can go horribly wrong for me if I don’t pack my own snacks, I am a nanny so I work out of someone else’s home, but if make time to pack them myself I will have 2 snacks a day and that could be a piece of fruit and pre measured nuts or a soy yogurt and fruit.
I usually have two snacks – one b/w breakfast and lunch, one b/w lunch and dinner. I try to make sure they’re high in protein. And then I let myself have fruit/veggies on their own as “free” snacks through the day. I’d like to get better at planning, but at least i”m not eating cheetos anymore 🙂
Okay I’ll be honest, I have a huge snacking problem, as in I hardly eat meals and pretty much just snack or munch all day long. I’m currently unemployed so having not much to do all day leads me to snacking all day just constantly eating, but I’m definitely going to try that 20 minute suggestion of ellies, in fact I’m attempting it now.
I usually have a lara bar or a macro bar for a snack or an apple dipped in sunflower seed butter- yum! I limit snacks to once or twice a day and only have them if I am really hungry.
Since im a performer I need healthy snacks I can eat during and between shows that won’t weigh me down. I love cherries, sugar snap peas, carrots, almonds, peanut butter sandwiches. For me between show meal I love turkey or fish with broccoli, brown rice and avocado and salsa. I also do love coffee
I go with the slow with snacks. It really depends on how active my day is. During school, I eat snacks all the time. But I also have a really quick lunch, so I don’t eat lots then. If I am coaching afterward, I need a snack for sure!
I’m not the biggest fan of Lara Bars (shocking I know), but I loovvvve Clif Bars. I also like veggies with hummus, fruit and the occasional donut (not like half of you don’t induge sometimes 🙂 hehe)
One of my fave snacks is my own popped popcorn (in a pot, not a microwave). I do not like things coated in salt – so I don’t put any on. I do put some butter (key is some, not soaked). SO yummy!
I usually just go with the flow, but lately an apple with some peanut butter has tasted heavenly. If I really want to add a bit more oomph, I’ll dip it in granola. YUM!!
I usually have two snacks a day. I eat lunch at 12:00, but I don’t get off work until 6:30. So I will usually have a snack about 3:15 and then some grapes on my way home. That way I am not staving when I get home and make bad choices.
I usually have like two snacks. One in the mid-morning. (often any type of fruit) And another one in late afternoon. I allow me some cashews. yuummmy!:)
Im a big snacker! Depending on my schedule I may have 2 bfasts, lunch, dinner with 2-3 snacks in there. I love luna and lara bars, almonds, cottage cheese&pita chips and fruit for my snacks.
I always have an afternoon snack, usually an apple/nuts/dried cereal. I definitely can’t make it to dinner without a snack. I’ll sometimes have nuts in the late a.m. too. peanut butter on apples with raisins is a great snack to tide you over!
I like to have 3 meals and 2 snacks throughout the day if I can. With a baby sometimes its hard to get snacks in but I always notice a difference in how I feel when I have them (less hungry and crazy! Haha). I love Lara bars, apple with almond butter and nuts for snacks. Since summer shape up I’ve gotten lot’s of new ideas too like protein yogurt with fruit!
Some grat healthy snacks “baked” corn tortilla’s in the toaster oven dipped in cold marinara sauce for an Italian twist on chips and salsa!
My go to snack is always a small smoothie…always keeps me full!
I love snacking on blueberries!! Instead of chips I have a bowl of berries. I also like crackers and cheese for a more filling snack.
I snack a lot – on days when I work I don’t really stop snacking. If food is around, I’ll eat it. I’m trying to work on this, but I always make sure I have healthy snacks. Most of the time I just eat fruits and vegetables, and sometimes a little chocolate.
I live for snacks and am loving reading about all of the great ideas to add some variety to my life! My favorite fulfilling snack is probably a smoothie made with greek yogurt, orange juice, frozen mango, 1/2 scoop of vanilla sun warrior + a small handful of spinach. Hits the spot every time!
I like to eat a snack in between breakfast and lunch and another between lunch and dinner. If I don’t snack I am starving by the next meal and I end up eating too much. I like to cut up veggies and have some hummus or eat fruit and string cheese. I love summer because of all of the fruit so during this time of year I like to take advantage of the many fruit options as my snack (and even dessert).
Your blog is so wonderful and fun to read, its become a daily staple in my healthy lifestyle. Thank you!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a giveaway win! 😉
i usually have a couple snacks – mid-afternoon and then another snack to hold me over until dinner. i love snacking on fruit, yogurt, eggs, or almonds.
The only planned snack I have is after dinner and 99% of the time it’s frozen yogurt. I can’t ever get enough of it. I generally have a few snacks during the day at work but sadly I don’t plan them.
I love her! She’s amazing.
I’m definitely a huge snacker, but I’m trying to make the transition of eating less snacks. Sometimes it can be hard!
I usually have three meals and three meals and two snacks. I try to schedule the times so if I’m bored at work I don’t just eat more. Those cookbooks look great!
I’d love to try those cookbooks – I’ve been in such a food rut lately and Ellie is so sensible that I’m sure I’d love her recipes =)
I snack when I’m hungry, usually once a day, my favorite is plain yogurt with berries and homemade granola sprinkled on top! I also eat larabars quite frequently or a banana with almond butter
I try not to snack unless I have a hard workout or long run. My favorite snacks are green apples orbananas with almond or new fav sunflower seed butter. I am dying to try your macaroons;)
A recent favorite of mine has been a baby cranberry fiber muffin from TJ’s, crumbled up with almond milk and berries in a bowl! It’s so tasty! Sometimes I add a sprinkle of hemp or a drizzle of almond butter 🙂
I eat a bajillion snacks thoughout the week. I like to get a little bit of sweet and salty in together… Like yogurt, nuts and berries.
Love me some snacks!! I find it fun experimenting with new healthy snack ideas! Some of my favorites include Greek yogurt with granola, small smoothies, bananas with almond butter and healthy cookies! Dying to try your famous maccaroons!!!
I have had to redefine what I think of as a “snack” — I used to snack on junk food and use it as an excuse to have a treat. “Oh, it’s just a snack, not that bad,” but that isn’t so if you’re eating throughout the day on chips, ice cream, etc. etc. Now, I snack throughout the day, but on healthy things like fruits and veggies with nut butter, LUNA bars and other things that are healthy.