Eat This: How To Snack Right and Feel Better

One month in and hopefully you’re still about that #healthylife2016 (well for at least another few weeks). If you’re leading a busy, on-the-go life, you’ve got to keep that motor running with the right stuff. Sad to say, it’s time to clean out the cupboards at home and desk drawers at the cubicle to rid yourself of those highly-processed, sugar-loaded snacks. Don’t believe the hype of those candy and snack commercials that are pure fat boy propaganda. Sure, that Snickers may “satisfy you,” but it’s doing more harm than good, lacking essential nutrients that slow you down from becoming your best self. Before you can replace your stress-relieving snacks with something that will give you more strength and energy; you need to know which foods are good to stock up on and keep in your arsenal for the 4pm meeting or late night craving. Now, eating healthier snacks doesn’t have to be complicated or that expensive. Plus, it shouldn’t taste like cardboard. Just remember that the more processed the food the more unnatural and unhealthy it is for your body. Take note of our healthy snack picks for your next shopping list.

1. Natural String Cheese
The ideal on-the-go snack to get your needed amount of carbs for energy and it’s also has a nice amount of protein. Plus, you can hand feed it to the hot, new front desk hire.

2. Almonds
The health benefits of these nuts read like “War and Peace.” Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you’re starting small and can only commit to a handful of snacks, this is the one, or two, or three…Pro tip: The Soy and Wasabi flavors are worth the extra few calories.

3. Pistachios
A rich source of energy; these oddly green-colored, sweet treats will help you manage your weight while keeping your heart strong. Just a couple pistachios can provide tons of minerals, vitamins, and protein. Plus opening those pesky shells counts as a workout right?

4. Natural Peanut Butter and Apple Slices
This snack was most likely a childhood favorite that you would barter for more see-saw time in kindergarten. Don’t call it a comeback because now is the perfect time to reintroduce it your adult diet. We like our peanut butter like we like our Tinder dates, smooth, not extra chunky (but there’s nothing wrong with it if you prefer the chunk). For a more healthy option, natural almond butter is a good substitute.

5. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Looking for an easy protein kick? Then fire up the stove, fill up a pot and drop in the eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are ideal for eating-and-running, whether it be to the commute, gym or afternoon meeting. Plus, they make a great addition to a salad or sandwich. Eggs are packed with protein, which make them ideal for a healthy bulking season if you’re looking to pack on some muscle.

6. Kale Chips
More hyped than the latest Yeezy drop, Kale is considered a super food, so why not turn it into a chip? Kale chips are easy to make on your own or, if you’re not in the mood to cook, then grab a bag from your local food store. Drizzle them with olive oil and pop them in the oven. This light, tasty snack will settle your craving for something crunchy without all the unwanted fats and sodium of a potato chip. Believe the kale hype.

7. Baked Chickpeas
Another small but mighty snack, they’re also very easy and affordable to make at home, and packed full of fiber that will keep you full into your next meal. Lightly salt them or get a bit bolder with some spicy seasoning (wasabi, Sriracha, cumin/chili powder) you’ll thank us later.

8. Half An Avocado With Olive Oil
An avocado is a super fruit (yes it’s a fruit) that's rich in various nutrients, vitamins, minerals, plus it's a great source of the good fatty acids that will keep you energized. We like a drop of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper on each half before partaking. Not as good as putting it inside of a taco but stil pretty tasty.

9. Greek Yogurt
Greek is king when it comes to yogurts. Also known as strained yogurt, it has twice the amount of protein as the stuff we grew up on. It’s also easy to digest which means faster results. This is an excellent post workout recovery snack for that Greek God-body or a great morning starter that goes perfectly with fruits, nuts and honey.

So, there you have it, nine quick and easy munchies that keep your body and mind feeling great, none of these snacks require you to have culinary degree or be some high maintenance foodie. These options will help you kick off 2016 in the right direction, you’ll thank us when Spring Break and Summer roll around.