During this COVI-19 pandemic, while we were in lockdown, in my house cooking became a major activity. Not just for making meals but for baking snacks. Snacks are defined as small amounts of food eaten between meals. Some fitness trainers and nutritionists say snacks are essential for both weight loss and maintaining weight. But is snacking actually beneficial for health and nutrition? I believe there is not one answer- it depends entirely on the individual and his or her needs.
During these past 7 months, I have noticed that with more people working and schooling from home, snacking is at an all-time high. While snacks may help manage hunger between meals, they may also lead to overeating and weight gain. When thinking about whether snacking is for you, it is important to think about your own nutritional needs, the timing of your daily meal schedule and your own health and fitness goals.
If you are nodding your head as you're reading this because you have been snacking more and gaining weight, I have some healthy snack options to share with you.
Create your own trail mix by combining raw unsalted nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and even dark chocolate. (Tip: Portion into ¼ cup serving sizes). I like to make a big bag and store it for future days. I also like to add some fresh fruit (cut apples or berries) when eating the trail mix right away.
Blend a smoothie using frozen fruit with Greek yogurt and milk of choice (Tip: Add some spinach or kale or avocado in for a sneaky serving of vegetables).
Make a dip for your veggies using cottage cheese or Greek yogurt with dried spices and herbs.
Create deli meat “roll ups.” Spread meat with low fat cream cheese or string cheese (Tip: Add bell pepper, cucumber, or pickles for a nice crunch).
Make homemade hummus- Blend garbanzo beans with lemon, olive oil, and garlic.
Slice up some banana or an apple and eat with natural nut butter.
Hard-boiled eggs make a quick protein-packed addition to any snack. (Tip: I make a large batch in advance. Hard-boiled eggs with their shells still on can be refrigerated for up to 1 week).
Don’t let this pandemic get in your way! Want to focus on a healthy plan, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com