Ask Denise: What Are Healthy Snack Ideas?

I apply this way of eating to all my meals, including snacking! I have found that having healthy snacks on hand helps me to quell hunger without sacrificing taste or healthiness. So when it comes to healthy snack ideas, I do the following:

• Make a list of tasty, craveable snacks for the week (I usually do this on Sunday along with my meal plan for the week!). When making this list, I aim for snacks that will offer fiber, to help keep the gut healthy and boost energy; protein to help keep muscles strong and the metabolism going; and antioxidants to help support my immune system. I also try to get some healthy fat in there, too, because it keeps me feeling fuller, longer.
• Shop for and prep those snacks, storing them in clear containers at eye level in the fridge! (Did you know that if you store healthy foods in this way, you are more likely to eat them? Give it a try - it really works!)

Then, when I am hungry between meals, I know I am giving back to myself by eating something satisfying and healthy. By checking in on what you are eating, you can help get to that goal of a healthy weight by keeping your energy levels up and your metabolism going strong. But keep in mind the TYPE of healthy snack you choose is so important! That's why I included a 10-Week Meal Plan - including snack ideas - in my Denise Austin app! A free trial is just a tap away so check it out!

So how do we switch into healthy snack idea mode? Start with small swaps:

• Instead of chips and dip, have fresh veggies and dip. You will still get the crunch, but will also be adding lots of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, while taking in far fewer calories and unhealthy fat. 
• Up your fiber intake by swapping out popcorn for potato chips. Healthier but still satisfying when you have a salty craving.
• When you crave sweets, start with fruit as the base. Then you can add a small scoop of ice cream or, even better, Greek yogurt! This gives you antioxidants and protein.
• And for simple, easy go-to snacks, I always keep hard-boiled eggs and cut up cheese in the fridge for easy sources of protein on-the-go.

This Healthy Snack Ideas video can also help - and don't forget, my app members get access to a full meal plan (vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium and more!), dozens of recipes, plus my full library of do-anywhere workouts. If getting to a healthy weight - and enjoying the journey there! - is part of your goal, give it a try today - tap here for a free trial!

This video is part of my popular "Ask Denise" series, and you can see more food related ones here:

Ask Denise: How Do I Stop Drinking Soda?

Ask Denise: How Do I know What The Right Portion Looks Like?

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise

Video Script:

Hi everybody. I'm so excited to answer some of your questions and a lot of you have been asking, do I eat snacks? Yes I do. I love snacking, but I make sure it's healthy snacks. Here's some of my very favorite. First of all, I eat an early breakfast, then lunch, and then I tried to eat an early dinner, so in between I do get a little hungry, but I try not to eat an abundance amount of food just a little and it keeps me until the next meal, so here's some of my favorites. I love fruit because fruit is a great way to kind of help your sweet tooth. If you have one like I do and I love dates and cherries, apples are so good for you. Then I also go for nuts. Nuts are delicious, plus they're great for healthy fats and protein. One of my favorite is a roasted walnuts and almonds of course. Then another snack I always go to is hummus. I try to always do it with a little extra fiber. Carrots and celeries are so good with hummus. Plus it's fruit, veggies, and a little bit of protein. It's all good for you. These are ways to keep your energy level up!