Smart Snacking

Snacking often gets a bad reputation, but when done thoughtfully, it can be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Smart snacking is about choosing foods that provide energy, satisfy hunger, and support overall health between meals. It’s not just about curbing cravings—it’s about fueling your body with the right nutrients at the right time.

 

How to Build a Nutritious Meal

  Healthy eating principles

 

Ways to Enhance the Nutritional Value of Meals

  • Incorporating protein-rich foods, vegetables, or fruits into meals with refined carbohydrates.
  • Opting for lower sodium options.
  • Introducing whole grains wherever possible.

Maintain the mindset of "What can I add to this meal?"

Creating Nourishing Meals 

Here are some ideas:

  • Mix frozen peas into boxed macaroni.
  • Use whole grain bread for grilled cheese and pair it with lower sodium tomato soup.
  • Add a boiled egg to ramen noodles and reduce the amount of salty seasoning.
  • Enjoy a whole grain turkey sandwich with an apple.
  • Have nacho chips topped with black beans, cheese, and salsa.
  • Prepare whole grain pasta with tomato sauce and bagged spinach.

 

 

Nourishing Snack Ideas

  • Apples sprinkled with cinnamon
  • Oatmeal with fresh berries and hemp hearts
  • Whole grain toast with canned tuna
  • Plain popcorn
  • A handful of nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds 
  • Whole grain toast with nut butter and banana
  • Green leafy salad with orange sections and almonds
  • Lower fat yogurt topped with frozen berries and walnuts
  • Lower fat cheese and whole grain crackers with cherry tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumber and red pepper with hummus or lower fat yogurt dip
  • Whole grain crackers topped with lower fat cottage cheese and peach slices
  • Whole grain English muffin topped with apple slices and melted lower fat cheese