Snacking is going to be my downfall!

I love working from home, but some days I find myself snacking all through the day.

Are you a snacker?

The past couple of weeks have been especially busy and it seems the busier I am, the more I snack. My weakness is “salty” snacks, to the point I can eat a bag of tortilla chips by the end of the day.

Do you prefer “sweet” or “salty” snacks?

Last week I decided to buy healthier snacks.

What did I buy?

Celery and carrots.

Can I just say those two do not satisfy my urge to snack. I believe I ate an entire bag of celery before dinner.

This week I’m snacking on something different.

Believe me, celery and carrots are not my first snack choices. When those snack attacks happen, we tend to want something that is easiest to consume, which usually is something unhealthy.

A bag of tortilla chips leaves me thirsty and mad at myself. High sugar and processed snacks leave us unsatisfied and on a sugar high that will soon cause us to crash and burn.

Here’s some healthier snacking options that will leave both me and you feeling satisfied and more energized to get through our day.

Apple slices with nut butter

Are you a “red” or “green” apple person?

Granny Smith apples are my favorite, with honey crisp running a close second. I know, totally different flavors.

Apples are high in fiber and water content, so they will fill you up without being too calorically dense. When you add nut butter on top, you’re adding healthy fats, which will also keep you full and satisfied for longer. Drizzle just a little organic honey over your slices to satisfy that sweet tooth you have.

Make sure not to peel the skin of the apple because this is where the majority of the fiber and vitamins are found.

Chia pudding

Have you tried chocolate chia pudding?

Chia seeds are an excellent snack because they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These unsaturated fats play many vital roles in hormone production, cognitive functioning, and mood and energy levels. Just mix chia seeds in almond milk, add a little vanilla extract and stevia drops, let sit for 10 minutes or mix together the night before. Chia pudding is a great energizing afternoon pick-me-up to get your through the rest of your busy day.

Homemade granola

Granola is my weakness.

I make Mama Z’s granola and it’s the best. So delicious that I’ve had to limit myself from this wonderful healthy snack.

Now, I do not recommend store-bought granola because of those pesky little ingredients that manufacturers think we need. Plus, commercial granola is loaded with unnecessary sugar.

You can find all types of granola recipes on Pinterest (I recommend searching for Mama Z’s recipe) and make your own. You’ll be glad you did.

What I like about granola is that you can make a variety of flavors. This keeps your snacking taste buds happy because you’re not eating the same thing every day (think celery and carrots).

Veggies and hummus

What’s your favorite hummus flavor?

I like spicy, not garlic, hummus and keep some in the fridge all the time. A perfect dipping snack for all those carrots and celery I bought.

You can make your own or buy from the grocery store, just check the ingredients for those sneaky chemicals. There’s plenty of healthy options at the grocery store. This is a very low-calorie, low-carb snack that provides you with loads of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Yogurt and berries

You can use Greek yogurt if you want some extra protein, or coconut yogurt if you’re dairy-free. Make sure it is “PLAIN” and not loaded with sugar. Yogurt provides you with healthy fats that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. Add your own fruit and top with some of that tasty granola you made over the weekend.

Roasted chickpeas

Now this is one of my favorites. This is beyond simple to make and a snack my grandchildren enjoy. Simply roast some drained, canned chickpeas in the oven and season them with whatever you like— smoked paprika, garlic, or simple salt and pepper are all great ideas.

Protein shake

Not sure what to do with those over-ripe bananas? Peel them, slice them, and freeze them for your protein shake. You can make this a low calorie snack by simply blending your banana with your favorite protein powder and water. This will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you plenty of energy for the afternoon.

Hard-Boiled eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a healthy staple snack. They are packed with protein from the egg whites and healthy fats from the yolk. They are recommended as an excellent snack to anyone who is looking to lose weight because of their high protein, high fat, and low carb macro-nutrient breakdown. Boil a few on Sunday afternoon to have handy during the week.

What’s your typical go-to snack when you’re home all day?  

For more snack ideas and recipes, download your free “The Hungry Snacker” recipe eBook and enjoy snacking.