I wanted to share with you some healthy snacks that I eat on the regular that are super easy and require NO preparation (or very little). They are literally just grab and go snacks. They are also 100% real food. WIN!
I usually don’t deviate from these snacks because they are so easy. These are just some ideas for you if you are stuck and don’t know what to snack on!
1. Lara Bar
I usually eat the Blueberry Muffin or Cashew Cookie. The Cashew Cookie has fewer ingredients and better ingredients, however, I need some variety. There are also other good varieties out there of the Lara Bars, just check the ingredients and make sure there isn’t anything crazy in there. I try to stay away from the ones that have chocolate in them, unless you are looking for a dessert ;). You want to look for things you recognize and that are whole foods. For example, “cashews” and “dates” are listed as the only ingredients for Cashew Cookie.
2. Banana and Almond Butter
Perfect snack for on the go and to pack for later. Bananas don’t need to be kept cold and the almond butter you can easily put in a small tupperware and take just the right amount to work. Bananas have fiber and essential vitamins and minerals to keep you going for the day. Almond butter will give you some protein with it to help you feel full longer.
3. Almonds or Cashews or Macadamia Nuts
Okay so if I’m honest, Macadamia nuts are my absolute FAVORITE nut. However, HAVE YOU SEEN HOW EXPENSIVE THEY ARE?!? Geez. They are anywhere from $14.99 – $19.99/lb if you buy them raw. HOLY BANANAS. That is way too much for my budget. Raw almonds are more like $9.99/ lb. Cashews are right in the middle of those. So if you are going for cheap, stick to almonds. I would not recommend snacking on peanuts a lot, as they are not as full of nutrients as other nuts. Find out more here.
4. Hard-boiled Eggs
These are great for morning snacks. You can prepare them ahead of time and keep them in your refrigerator for a couple of days. Then just grab and go. Pair these with a piece of fruit and you should be good to go!
5. Dark Chocolate and Nuts
Yes I said chocolate!! Don’t get too excited though. I’m not talking about milk chocolate. I’m talking about at least 75% cacao dark chocolate. It can be bitter, but you can aquire a taste for it. Dark chocolate has compounds in it called Polyphenols that are beneficial to your good gut bacteria. I have just one square and I am satisfied. Also great to pair with nuts!
6. Apple and Almond Butter
Similar to the banana and almond butter. I like to slice my apple because it’s easier to eat. I don’t like chomping into a big apple because the skin gets all in my teeth and that annoys me! I use an apple slicer, and if you haven’t ever used one of these, it will completely change your life! You will never have to slice an apple again. Click here
7. Yogurt with Fruit
I can’t do dairy because of my migraines, but I have found a dairy-free brand that I love! SO Delicious yogurt has various flavors and they sell quart size and small individual containers. You can top this yogurt with any fruit (I like to do blueberries) and also shredded nuts if you want. Or maybe drizzle some honey on top for some sweetness. Great for a quick snack in between meals or after a workout.
If you can do dairy and don’t see any problems after eating it, than choose full fat yogurt. Yes you heard me correctly. Not low-fat. Full fat. I know a lot of you will completely disagree with me but before you rush to judging me, I hope that you will have an open mind and look at the research. There is research on both sides of the issue. Some studies show that low-fat is better than full fat and some studies show vice versa. However, I hope you will look into it. Great article by Chris Kresser breaking it down and showing you the actual research studies conducted on the subject.
The reason for full fat is that it has a lot more nutrients in it that your body needs that isn’t taken out while processing. Our body needs fat in order to function and to absorb many vitamins (Vitamin D, A, E and K). PLUS it makes you feel full longer so you are less likely to indulge later. In Chris’s article he is talking about the results one of the studies and he states, “People who ate the most high-fat dairy foods had the lowest risk for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease”.
Don’t just believe everything you are told, look into it and see for yourself what the evidence is. In my mind I think to myself, what is the absolute LEAST amount of processing I can find for this product. In this case, whole milk wins over low-fat. Oh how I wish I could drink lattes on the regular.
8. Dried Fruit and Nuts
You have to be a little careful with dried fruit because it is concentrated sugar, but in moderation these are a great snack paired with nuts. Be sure to read the ingredients and make sure no sugar is added.
9. Dates with Nut Butter
I stumbled upon a recipe for this combination while doing a project and it’s brilliant! You buy whole dates, and slice them in the middle and put nut butter inside it (remove the pit if needed). So easy and yummy! Picture is up top if you need a visual!
10. Kale Chips (or zucchini)
Okay now I know you are immediately turned off by this. I also hate kale. I CANNOT eat it raw. I think it is yuccckkyyy. However, I just recently bought kale for some photo shoots. I decided it shouldn’t go to waste and I should at least try it. So I roasted it in the oven sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt and some other Italian spices, and it was so yummy. You can look up recipes online for different ideas. Roast at 250 degrees for 20 minutes until crispy.
I hope this gives you some options and ideas for snacks you can eat during the day to keep you going! These snacks will give you energy to get through your day and provide your body with so many nutrients! You can also always just snack on any fruit or vegetable without pairing it with anything, but I know a lot of people say they are hungry if they do that! So that is why I provided some snack “combos” so that some protein is included!
That’s all for now!
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Below is a video showing you what I eat in a day with some snacks included!
What I eat in a day (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HFRu_GPx8A)
Hi Rebekah! I’m really enjoying your blog! Thanks for the information on low fat dairy foods vs. high fat dairy foods. I had no idea! I also have an issue with consuming dairy, so I definitely tried out the SO Delicious Coconut Yogurt you recommended, and I loooveeed it! I’m looking forward to your future posts! <3 I hope NC is treating you well as it is with me!
Hey Jessica!! Thank you so much! Yes I was blown away about the dairy as well when I first learned because we are taught the complete OPPOSITE in school! So glad you are enjoying and please let me know if you have any questions or ideas about anything!