Saturday, August 14, 2010

My Snacking Must-Haves

There are a few items that can always be found in my kitchen. Because I'm someone who usually has at least one snack a day, I like to be prepared by having snacks that help me feel good and healthy (no one likes an afternoon guilt trip). The 6 items below are kind of my go-to snacks. I always have them on hand and they help give me energy to make it to my next meal. Also, I added a bonus summer item (for a little hot weather indulgence).

Without further ado, here are my snacking must-haves:
1) Almonds - These always help suppress my mid-afternoon hunger and are a deliciously nutritious item that can easily be kept in an office desk.

2) Light and Fit Yogurt - Love, love, love this yogurt. Vanilla, especially, is delicious enough to feel like you are sneaking sweets. Luckily, these yogurts are only 80 calories. If you are wondering, after vanilla my favorite is peach :)

3) Soy beans - I ALWAYS have soy beans in the freezer waiting to be cooked up and eaten. I love to buy the box of Peggy's Premium Edamame at Costco. Three minutes in the microwave and they are ready to go. Such a great source of protein and for those pregos out there looking for natural sources of folic acid, your search is over.

4) String Cheese - Again, this is an item I get at Costco. What else can I say other than it is low cal, delicious, cheap, and easy. I can honestly say I had one string cheese every day I taught last semester.

5) Reduced Fat Wheat Thins - I'm not a huge advocate of "diet food," but these delicious crackers are a different story. Sixteen crackers for 130 calories is totally worth it in my book. And sometimes you want some carbs.. When that happens I grab for these. They can easily be paired with string cheese or our next snack...

6) Hummus - Sooo delicious. Naturally low in fat, this is another protein-rich snack. Usually I make my own, but if you have to buy hummus just be sure to check labels.


Alright, as promised.. your summertime treat:
Skinny Cow Truffle Bars - These things are delicious! I was sure that there must be something secretly wrong with these bars, but after seeing them talked about on the Today show, I have put my worries to rest. They are 100 calories and perfect for a little summertime indulgence. Chocolate or caramel are our favorites.

These are my snacking must-haves and while I do have others, these stay most consistently in my fridge or cabinet. Anybody have any snacks they want to share?

Happy Snacking!!