Everyone does it, so why not make it guilt-free? Snacks are necessary, especially when trying to squeeze in a quick bite throughout the day. Common advice from health practitioners; eat less per meal, but more times throughout the day. Instead of eating one or two BIG meals, like so many of us do with a busy schedule. We should to eat smaller portions and more times throughout the day, aiming for maybe three full meals and two snacks between.
HOW: People have excuses like, "Oh, I'm just so busy from the time I wake up till I go to sleep!" In reality there is time to spare, or else you wouldn't have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TV time, Netflix, cable or even visit the internet. It's all about time management; meaning set aside half an hour or less to prepare meals. You don't have to prepare a whole weeks worth, but even tomorrow or the next day could help. Before I go to bed I bag my meal for work the next day, planning what I will snack on, what will be a more complete meal, what I will eat/drink during my workout and sometimes after.
MOST IMPORTANT: Moderation is the BIGGEST single word of advice; meaning look at serving size! The nutritional facts should be the deciding factor on what to buy. Here is a quick checklist to see if you should buy it, or avoid it:
- at least 8 grams of protein
- prefer more protein than carbs
- NO trans fats
- has some fiber
- prefer lower sodium and sugar
SNACK EXAMPLES:
-Beef/turkey/chicken jerky
-Granola bar with protein
-Protein shake; watch the carbs, I prefer either an isolate which has less carbs, sometimes a regular one with water during/after workouts
-Smoothie with veggies!
-Trail mix but look at the nutritional facts!
-Veggies/fruits with peanut butter
-Greek yogurt
-Lunch meat(look at the nutritional label!) wrapped around cheese
-Nuts; not covered in high sodium or sugar
-Dried fruits or veggies
-Protein bars: look at nutritional label!
-Cottage cheese(I use low fat with pineapple chunks in it)
-Edamame; even the frozen can work, just watch the sodium!
-Boiled eggs
-Cheese
-Tuna
-Isolate protein powder can be thrown in many things to add protein and flavor, even coffee!
The best simplest snacks are food in their natural form, just smaller portions. Like pieces of grilled meat, raw vegetables and fruits. Drink some water with it and give it time to hit your stomach, you'll eat better!
HOW: People have excuses like, "Oh, I'm just so busy from the time I wake up till I go to sleep!" In reality there is time to spare, or else you wouldn't have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TV time, Netflix, cable or even visit the internet. It's all about time management; meaning set aside half an hour or less to prepare meals. You don't have to prepare a whole weeks worth, but even tomorrow or the next day could help. Before I go to bed I bag my meal for work the next day, planning what I will snack on, what will be a more complete meal, what I will eat/drink during my workout and sometimes after.
MOST IMPORTANT: Moderation is the BIGGEST single word of advice; meaning look at serving size! The nutritional facts should be the deciding factor on what to buy. Here is a quick checklist to see if you should buy it, or avoid it:
- at least 8 grams of protein
- prefer more protein than carbs
- NO trans fats
- has some fiber
- prefer lower sodium and sugar
SNACK EXAMPLES:
-Beef/turkey/chicken jerky
-Granola bar with protein
-Protein shake; watch the carbs, I prefer either an isolate which has less carbs, sometimes a regular one with water during/after workouts
-Smoothie with veggies!
-Trail mix but look at the nutritional facts!
-Veggies/fruits with peanut butter
-Greek yogurt
-Lunch meat(look at the nutritional label!) wrapped around cheese
-Nuts; not covered in high sodium or sugar
-Dried fruits or veggies
-Protein bars: look at nutritional label!
-Cottage cheese(I use low fat with pineapple chunks in it)
-Edamame; even the frozen can work, just watch the sodium!
-Boiled eggs
-Cheese
-Tuna
-Isolate protein powder can be thrown in many things to add protein and flavor, even coffee!
The best simplest snacks are food in their natural form, just smaller portions. Like pieces of grilled meat, raw vegetables and fruits. Drink some water with it and give it time to hit your stomach, you'll eat better!