Challenge #8– February 22, 2010

Week Eight: February 22, 2010

Challenge: Snack Attack!

We know that proper healthy snacking is important throughout the day in order to keep our metabolism working, blood sugar levels steady, and most importantly to prevent over-eating during meal times.  With this in mind, make a conscious effort this week to think about the snacks you choose to space out your meals.  When that mid-day snack attack hits, reach for a snack that has some protein associated with it.  Protein has been shown to promote satiety, and furthermore, when paired together with a complex carbohydrate source (fresh fruit, whole grains), it helps you feel fuller for a longer period of time!

Keep these snacks in mind when planning and preparing your meals throughout the week.  Check in to see how you feel from meal to meal, and make note whether the following suggestions make any difference in your eating patterns and hunger strikes!

• Small apple or banana with 1 Tbsp natural nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew)
• Small yogurt with fresh strawberries
• Celery sticks with 1 Tbsp light peanut butter
• ½ C cottage cheese with fresh blueberries and cinnamon
• ½ whole grain English muffin with 1 Tbsp light cream cheese
• Small yogurt with 1 Tbsp hemp seeds and ¼ C fresh raspberries
• Small handful of almonds
• Small whole grain wrap with ½ Tbsp light peanut butter and small banana
• Glass of milk and high fibre, low fat cereal bar
• 4 small whole grain/stone ground crackers with 2 oz light cheese
• Pepper slices with ¼ C hummus
• Hard boiled egg with ½ whole grain small pita
• 2 oz light cheese with a small pear or grapes
• Yogurt smoothie – small container of yogurt with fresh fruit of choice + ice cubes
• ½ C edamame (soy)  beans