Snack Time—Choose Wisely
It’s snack time and it’s important to choose wisely. I want to grab something fast and easy. Generally, I eat in front of the computer while working, and whatever I’m eating disappears in an instant. I’m not even certain what I’ve eaten!
In my ongoing quest for healthy eating, I have stopped eating snacks in front of the computer to avoid mindless eating. I also try to look for lean protein snacks.
![snack](https://www.kathycoatney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_1693-e1443097902438-225x300.jpg)
Lean Protein Snacks
Rebecca Clark, author of the Checklist Diet and says, “Having a good protein snack will help stabilize your moods, your blood sugar and your energy levels.”
I’ve started choosing lean protein snacks when I’m working because it takes a lot of mental energy to write. I’ve found mid-morning and mid-afternoon my energy starts to lag. A 15 minute break to eat my snack is just the boost I need to dig back in clear-headed and raring to go.
Lean protein also keeps you full longer without excess calories. Your body needs proteins to build muscle and to repair tissue damage from exercising.
![snacks](https://www.kathycoatney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/AA-2010-Peach-Harvest_780-300x200.jpg)
Rebecca suggested these lean protein snacks:
- Cottage cheese mixed with a sliced apple and chopped walnut—I also like it with frozen berries or any kind of in-season fruit
- Yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of Grapenuts or low-fat granola—again, I like frozen berries or most any fruit
- Apples with nut butter—a personal favorite!
- Deli chicken smeared with hummus and finely chopped veggies, roll up and eat
- Celery and peanut butter—the only way I like to eat celery raw
My lean protein snack list includes:
- Hummus with a mix of vegetables—carrots, sugar snap peas, jicama, sweet baby peppers
hummus and veggies - Crab meat or shrimp
- Tomato slices with fresh mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar
- Rice cake peanut butter, or melted cheese, or with ricotta cheese and sliced fruit on top—strawberries, bananas, peaches or nectarines
- Hard boiled egg, scrambled or fried—eggs are a great food and a great snack
- Whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter
- Homemade fruit smoothie with milk, yogurt or milk alternatives
What’s your favorite lean protein snack?