Snack Ideas

My cousin Kylee requested that I do a post on quick, healthy snacks that you can eat during the day and between meals. It is so easy to grab processed, unhealthy snacks when you are at work or on the go. When you eat these food options, you end up feeling even more hungry then before because they are full of empty calories. Here are a few options that help you stay satisfied between meals, and will fill you up with great nutrition! These are not always quick, grab n' go snacks like bags of chips or packaged foods. They may take a little time to prepare. The best option is to do it all on your day off after you go grocery shopping, and split up into baggies so you can grab them on your way out the door. The trick is that you want to always get a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fatss. This will helps you stay full longer. Fat and protein take longer to digest!

NUTS! Nuts are a wonderful option because they are packed with healthy fats and protein to help you fill up. They are proven to help you burn fat too! Put about a 1/4 a cup, or about 30 nuts into small baggies for a 1 oz. serving.

Greek Yogurt with Carrots: greek yogurt is a great source of protein! Try to find ones that aren't full of sugar! Over 15 grams is a lot of sugar!
Apples and peanut butter
Veggies and hummus dip: hummus is made from garbanzo beans and olive oil usually. Great fat/carb/protein dip!
Protein bars: BE CAREFUL WHEN CHOOSING THESE! There are tons out there that are FULL of ingredients that are hard to recognize. Stick with the larabars, TLC bars, Luna, etc.. these ones  are more natural. A lot of them can be found at costco in big packs!
Wheat crackers with string cheese: string cheese has 6 grams of protein in one stick!
Grapefruit and cottage cheese: grapefruit is an awesome fruit that doesn't spike your blood sugar. It will help you stay full longer
peanut butter and jelly sandwich: who says you have to be under 10 to eat these. Just look for natural jam and whole wheat bread.
Yogurt and granola: remember, when your buying yogurt try to get the plain ones and add you own sweetener and fruit.
Turkey and crackers:
Snap peas (or other veggies) and TLC bar: TLC bars have 6 grams of protein, and about 5 grams of fiber. They have good fats in them too. These are my favorite snack bars by far, they don't have a ton of sugar either.
Apple and protein frosting: I love protein frosting. Just get a scoop of any flavor whey protein and put a little water in it to form a paste. It tastes like caramel!
Banana and peanut butter:
Popcorn (100 calorie packs)
Beef jerky: it is full of protein, but also full of sodium...so don't go overboard

edamame (costco has individual serving size packs that you can throw into the microwave): full of protein

Grapes and cheese stick!

I hope this helps! I know your pregnant Kylee so you are always hungry :), but hopefully this will keep you satisfied for at least 30 minutes longer then normal! haha. If anyone else has some good snack ideas post them in the comment box! I would love to hear!