The next couple of posts are going to belong to a top 10 series. There are so many things to write about and such little time that I thought you should know about the most important or top 10 things per topic. Today I am going to start with the top 10 snacks… according to me. A common theme among my clients is that they get stuck with good snack ideas.

First, lets discuss the importance of snacks. SNACKS ARE A MUST! It is vitally important that you consume balanced meals or snacks every 3-4 hours. That means whether you are at the office, in the car or always on the go, you MUST always have food with you, ready to eat at a moments notice. NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT FOOD! Yes, that means you have to prepare food ahead of time. I hear a loud groan right about know. Think about it this way… the time you spending prepping means the less time being unfit and unhealthy! YAY

Snacks help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and your metabolism pumped up. When you go longer then 4 or so hours without eating, your blood sugar levels drop and your brain sends you a signal in the form of a carbohydrate craving to raise your blood sugar levels. So, at around 3-5pm you experience low energy and are craving carbs because you did not have your balanced snack. Instead, you are now eating or drinking empty calories to get rid of the craving. This eating pattern will not lead to successfully in reaching your goal!

Like I mentioned before NEVER LEAVE YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT FOOD. Here are a list of my favorite top 10 snacks. Notice that granola bars and snack bars didn’t make the list!

Top 10 Snacks in no particular order: Click on the snack idea for the recipe

1. Green apple with 1 tbsp Raw Almond Butter

2. Raw red pepper cut in slices with 2 tbsp hummus and 1 tbsp Garden Fresh salsa mixed together

3. 1/2 cup shelled Edamame mixed with 1/2 cup chopped together tomatoes, cuccumber, spanish onion, celery and garnished with parsley. Add 1/2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp balsamic for dressing.

4. Chicken and cheese lettuce wraps

5. 1/2 cup plain yoghurt + 1 tbsp protein powder + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 2 tbsp Fibre 1 cereal sprinkled on top

6. 1/2 cup oven roasted chickpeas

7. Red pepper egg salad

8. 1 cup mixed berries + 10 walnuts

9. Kefir berry shake

10. Egg muffins

What is your favorite snack? Let me know. Enjoy!