So I'm on a personal mission to be more active and eat more healthy foods. I've been working on the active part by hitting the gym more and doing smaller workouts in my apartment on the days I can't make it to the gym. Now it's time to revolutionize my diet. With a hectic schedule it's all too easy to dine out or mindlessly hit up the vending machine at work for Gardetto's. In trying to get into a good habit of eating better, I thought of all the good-for-me foods that I do like and stocked up on them. My schedule doesn't allow for three big meals a day---and honestly, that's never been my style. My preferred eating style is snacking throughout the entire day. So I'm turning things around and making healthier choices from here on out. (I'll keep you updated on my progress and trials!) So let's get on with my new snacks...
Peanut Butter + Granola + Apple Slice Roll-up
Spread a layer of natural peanut butter on a whole grain tortilla. Sprinkle with granola. Slice up a granny smith apple. Wrap it all up and enjoy. This is a really filling snack! Two make for a good breakfast. I love Bear Naked Oats and Honey granola and Skippy Natural peanut butter. (Although I did just find out that the Skippy Natural has tons of sugar in it, so I might be looking for a different peanut butter next time I'm grocery shopping...) Tart granny smith apples are my un-guilty pleasure. As far as wraps go, Mission's Ancient Grains tortillas are hearty and tasty---packed with whole grain wheat, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and teff.
Hummus + Carrots + Pita Chips
I love hummus, especially with baby carrots. Pita chips are a just as crunchy and satisfying alternative to potato chips. If original hummus isn't flavorful enough for you, the garlic flavor is delish, too! I like cutting up pita bread and making my own pita chips when I have time, but Stacy's Simply Naked pita chips are pretty much the bomb.
Yogurt + Berries + Granola
Greek yogurt is so rich and creamy. It's an easy substitute for ice cream, especially when sprinkled with granola and berries. Blackberries are my fave, but raspberries are a close second.
Vanilla Soy Milk Beverages
I could go on about soy milk all day. (I'm just so glad to have found a dairy alternative I like since I don't really like dairy milk.) I used to drink my coffee with half-n-half and sugar---now I've swapped out the half-n-half for vanilla Silk and reduced the amount of sugar. I love a splash of soy milk in my lightly sweetened Irish breakfast tea. And warmed vanilla Silk with honey stirred in is a seriously divine treat.
Standalone Snacks
To curb hunger on the go, I'm skipping out on the vending machine at work. Instead, I'm keeping these snacks close at hand. I've gotten hooked on Special K cracker chips---I love the texture and taste. Whole natural almonds and pistachios are an easy go-to nibble. And once in a while I indulge in a Lara Bar.
Add More Greens'n'Beans
I consider myself fortunate to actually like broccoli and asparagus, so it isn't hard to add these green veggies into my eating habits. I add steamed broccoli to almost anything. I love asparagus drizzled with olive oil and some garlic and herbs. A bowl of edamame (baby soy beans) sprinkled with sea salt is another delicious favorite green of mine. I also plan on adding in a lot of beans to my diet.
Cut It Out
When I evaluated my diet, I found that I'm really not a terrible eater. I'm not a big fan of fast food. I don't eat a ton of meat. I don't even have a sweet tooth. (I seriously get "spicy" cravings rather than "sugar" cravings!) But there are some major offenders. Coke is one of them. Gardetto's are another, especially on my breaks at work. Carbs are high up on the list since I'm a pasta-holic. And, well, I eat Taco Bell waaay more than I should. So I'm cutting out the Coke. The longer I go without it, the less I crave it. I no longer carry loose change so that I can avoid the vending machines altogether. I'm skipping the carbalicious pasta and cheesy breads. And I'm severely limiting myself next time I hit up the Bell.
Do you have any favorite healthy snacks or meals? I'd love suggestions!
