Healthy Snacking
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A while back, a reader asked me about healthy snacking. I really can't even remember who it was so sorry about that... it was when I was visiting the crazy grandkids! Let yourself be known because this stems from you! I also think it was about snacks for kids but I thought I would incorporate both.
Now bear with me because I found tons of links on cool snack suggestions but I am only going to include a few & a couple have great recipes for snacks for the kids!!!!
As an adult, I think many of us have these sweet or salty or crunchy type personalities. It is all about finding what you like & what fits that craving. Me, I am all about crunch & it does not have to be salty. Since I don't use a lot of salt anyway & the foods I eat are not high in sodium, it just does not appeal to me & in fact, many foods are too salty for me. Hey, this is how it works... you can adjust those taste buds based on choosing healthier options!
I am a mini meal person so many of my mini meals may be "snacks" for other people. Like non-fat Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or maybe I just flavor it with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice & dunk apples in it or I might add flavored protein powder to it. My newest thought process is from yesterdays post for what a reader of Oxygen Women's Fitness called protein PB cookie dough. Make that & use it on apples, veggies, whole grain bread or anything your mind can think up! BUT, for me, snacks I eat in the eve are organic animal crackers (cookies) from Costco that are about 125 calories per 13 cookies or organic cinnamon graham crackers or Earth's Best cookies for kids. They have some great ones & all you do is read the portion sizes on the side & measure out what fits into to your daily program. My hubby always teases me about counting out my cookie treats!
For you, maybe it is sweet & smooth like pudding which can be made low fat & even with protein powder if you want some extra protein. There are great choices on lower cal & lower fat ice creams, yogurts & frozen treats as well.
For crunch/salty, air popped popcorn sprayed with a bit of spray butter & then flavored to your liking. Maybe some of those pop chips but be sure to measure out & know what you are eating. Do not take the bag with you!!!!!
Now here are some great posts I found with recipes to look at:
1. 10 Smart Healthy Snacks for Moms and Kids
This had some great suggestions for kids (and adults) & recipes too like banana popsicles, flavored popcorn, veggies & dip, pizza, friendly PB&J, healthy trail mix, yogurt parfait, chocolate delight & baked potato fries. I think us older people would love some of these too! Maybe all of them! Check it out!
2. Snacks & Fitting Them Into Your Weight Loss Plan
This is a great article from The Mayo Clinic. As they say, "the key to incorporating snacks into your weight-loss plan is to plan them with variety, moderation and balance in mind." As we know, the suggestion is to choose snacks that have lots of great nutrients but satisfy us as well. They even have a chart of snacks showing the food & approximate number of calories! AND, they have some easy to prepare snack recipes too which you can find at the link above.
3. Healthy Snacks for Kids
This is another great post with a whole list of healthy snack suggestions for "kids" which means us too!
Then, there are some great recipes like Maple Walnut Granola, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Veggies in a blanket & more. The nutritionals for them are even there for you to check out! Those pumpkin spice muffins are a calling!!!
4. 30 Healthy Picks from Self
Here is a whole list of easy to go snacks for those on the go. I am more a non-packaged type of person BUT for those on the run, these can help & lots to pick from for you.
A while back, a reader asked me about healthy snacking. I really can't even remember who it was so sorry about that... it was when I was visiting the crazy grandkids! Let yourself be known because this stems from you! I also think it was about snacks for kids but I thought I would incorporate both.Now bear with me because I found tons of links on cool snack suggestions but I am only going to include a few & a couple have great recipes for snacks for the kids!!!!
As an adult, I think many of us have these sweet or salty or crunchy type personalities. It is all about finding what you like & what fits that craving. Me, I am all about crunch & it does not have to be salty. Since I don't use a lot of salt anyway & the foods I eat are not high in sodium, it just does not appeal to me & in fact, many foods are too salty for me. Hey, this is how it works... you can adjust those taste buds based on choosing healthier options!
I am a mini meal person so many of my mini meals may be "snacks" for other people. Like non-fat Greek yogurt with fresh fruit or maybe I just flavor it with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice & dunk apples in it or I might add flavored protein powder to it. My newest thought process is from yesterdays post for what a reader of Oxygen Women's Fitness called protein PB cookie dough. Make that & use it on apples, veggies, whole grain bread or anything your mind can think up! BUT, for me, snacks I eat in the eve are organic animal crackers (cookies) from Costco that are about 125 calories per 13 cookies or organic cinnamon graham crackers or Earth's Best cookies for kids. They have some great ones & all you do is read the portion sizes on the side & measure out what fits into to your daily program. My hubby always teases me about counting out my cookie treats!
For you, maybe it is sweet & smooth like pudding which can be made low fat & even with protein powder if you want some extra protein. There are great choices on lower cal & lower fat ice creams, yogurts & frozen treats as well.
For crunch/salty, air popped popcorn sprayed with a bit of spray butter & then flavored to your liking. Maybe some of those pop chips but be sure to measure out & know what you are eating. Do not take the bag with you!!!!!
Now here are some great posts I found with recipes to look at:
1. 10 Smart Healthy Snacks for Moms and Kids
This had some great suggestions for kids (and adults) & recipes too like banana popsicles, flavored popcorn, veggies & dip, pizza, friendly PB&J, healthy trail mix, yogurt parfait, chocolate delight & baked potato fries. I think us older people would love some of these too! Maybe all of them! Check it out!
2. Snacks & Fitting Them Into Your Weight Loss Plan
This is a great article from The Mayo Clinic. As they say, "the key to incorporating snacks into your weight-loss plan is to plan them with variety, moderation and balance in mind." As we know, the suggestion is to choose snacks that have lots of great nutrients but satisfy us as well. They even have a chart of snacks showing the food & approximate number of calories! AND, they have some easy to prepare snack recipes too which you can find at the link above.
3. Healthy Snacks for Kids
This is another great post with a whole list of healthy snack suggestions for "kids" which means us too!
Then, there are some great recipes like Maple Walnut Granola, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Veggies in a blanket & more. The nutritionals for them are even there for you to check out! Those pumpkin spice muffins are a calling!!!Pumpkin Spice Muffins • Makes 10 to 12 muffins
2 cups whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 15-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add pumpkin, 1/2 cup of water, and raisins. Stir until just mixed. Spoon batter into oil-sprayed muffin cups, filling to just below the tops.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until tops of muffins bounce back when pressed lightly. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and cool on a rack. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container.
Per muffin: 131 calories; 3 g protein; 31 g carbohydrate; 0.5 g fat; 4 g fiber; 236 mg sodium; calories from protein: 10%; calories from carbohydrates: 87%; calories from fats: 3%4. 30 Healthy Picks from Self
Here is a whole list of easy to go snacks for those on the go. I am more a non-packaged type of person BUT for those on the run, these can help & lots to pick from for you.
Well, I know I threw lots at you & many don't like to have to go to other links but I think these are worth your while! For those out there with kids, let us know some of your fav snacks for the kids. You adults out there who may still be a kid at heart, what are some of your go to snacks.
PS: I always see this about cutting sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters for the kids. I think that is a great idea! Make it fun & let them do their own!
PS: I always see this about cutting sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters for the kids. I think that is a great idea! Make it fun & let them do their own!
With kids some days it feels like ALL we do is snack so thanks for the healthy ideas!
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You know what I really like about this is the fact that you are a mini-meal person and that sometimes your meals may look like snacks! I do that as well. I think it's great to point that concept out.
I don't mind checking out other links, especially if they are good ones like you put up.
You know what's funny to me? My 12 year old son snacks his way through the day. He eats three BIG meals, and then snacks on cheese, apples, peanut butter & crackers, etc. I don't know where he puts it all!
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Diane, thx for your kind words. Yes, mini meals can look the same as snacks too!
Kids, I am sure yours are so active along with the healthy food you give them!
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Oooo. I love pumpkin muffins, but I never thought to bake them myself. (DOH!) And much better than the 7,000 calorie pumpkin muffins at the bagel shop, right?
Yes, I said 7,000. I'm exaggerating, but what's the difference.
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i love having snack choices. btwn both jobs, i rarely have time anymore to "sit down" to a good meal, so gotta keep the fuel up! i'll have to check these links out!!
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My big stick review wasn't THAT deep was it? =P
And I need to stop coming to your blog after having my evening mini-meal. I tend to go eat again. wtf!
But I think my 12 illegitimate children should enjoy these spiced pumpkin muffins. Halloween is also on the way, so I'll have my mini army of candy-grabbers.
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FJ, you are tooooooo much! Well, if you are worried about today's post, best be careful when you stop by Friday's post. A couple great recipes coming your way!
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Great tips! My 2 children seem to continually snack. I am always looking for new ideas. It's great to put different snacks in the school lunch box too.
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Charlotte, hope you find some good stuff there for your kiddos!
Josie, too funny. Man, those store bought muffins do add up though... tons of calories & fat!
Cher, when you do check out the links, I know you will find something that works for you. Maybe on the Self link.
Kellie, hoping this helps. I think that cookie cutter thing for sandwiches & mini sandwiches looks fun!
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