New Ideas for Healthy Snacks

As a new mom, I am always reaching for a snack. I definitely have a big appetite when nursing. But I tend to reach for something easy, like pretzels or I hate to admit it, cookies. So I asked my good friend Jen Nolan for some help in this department. She is a holistic nutritionist and wellness coach. Needless to say, a great resource in this department.

“Having HEALTHY snacks in between meals helps maintain a balanced blood sugar level so we don’t have the mid-afternoon slumps and it helps your metabolism to keep on burning,” she explains.Read more for the full list of New Ideas for Healthy Snacks!

So what are important things to think about when choosing a snack? Jen explains that you should always think about the nutrient value. “What nutrients can you pack into a snack for your body.  As an example, greens and colorful fruits in your smoothie provide calcium, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals,” she says.

Next, ask yourself if the snack includes protein, fat and or fiber. When you eat a simple carbohydrate along with a protein for example, Jen says, it will help with longer satienty, maintained blood sugar levels and the calories will be used for energy rather than stored as fat.

And finally, think variety, colorful and don’t be afraid of healthy fat.

The key to successful snacking is being prepared. “You won’t find yourself reaching for unhealthy crackers or sugary treats if you have healthy options handy. Take that extra couple of minutes it takes to be prepared and you will feel great and have the energy it takes to go about your day without bonking,” she explains.She’s shared with us some new ideas for healthy snacks. Enjoy and get eating… healthy of course!

Jar of Goodness In a small mason jar layer any type of raw chopped nut  (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc) with shaved dried coconut, dried figs, fresh sliced banana, fresh berries, ground flax and sunflower seeds.  Top with walnut or almond milk.  If eating later, put the milk in a separate small jar until you are ready to eat.

Avocado and Tomato on Toast Sprouted grain bread such as Ezekiel by Food For Life toasted with avocado and tomatoes on top.  Season with sea salt & pepper and/or fresh basil.

Simple Celery Celery with laughing cow cheese or almond butter.  (Choose a nut butter without added oils and sugar)

Cacao Pick Me Up Almond Milk in a mason jar with raw cacao powder and a few stevia drops or a packet of stevia powder.  This is a great pick me up and sweet treat. Shake the jar and let sit for about ten minutes and shake again.

Hummus and Veggies Hummus is easy to make and the ingredients are simple, clean and healthy. All you need is a food processor or high powered blended some fresh garlic, a can of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, squeezed lemon and salt & pepper. Play around with different ingredients such as sun dried tomatoes or greek olives.

Easy Eggs Hard boiled egg with spicy mustard spread.

Rice Cakes Rice cakes with nut butter or avocado spread on top.

An Apple a Day An apple and a couple slices of sharp white cheddar.

Quick Lettuce Wrap Maybe this sounds like a meal but one Bibb lettuce wrap with black beans, a little avocado, lime and salsa is a great quick and easy snack.

Get Poppin’ Organic Popcorn popped stovetop in coconut butter and topped with Braggs Liquid Aminos or Nutritional Yeast.

Smoothies Everyone loves smoothies. Get creative and make notes about what works and what doesn’t. Try replacing your fruit juice base with unsweetened almond milk. Use fewer frozen fruits and more vegetables and don’t be afraid of greens…you can hardly taste the baby spinach. Use avocados in place of bananas if you like the creamy texture and use nuts, ground flax and flax oil for added fat and fiber.

 Jen Nolan, bs ms, holistic nutrition and wellness coach can be reached at info (at) twistnutrition.com.

What are some of your favorite go-to snacks? Share with us!

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All photos by Melissa Fenlon for alice & lois. All rights reserved.