Franciscan Alliance:To Snack or Not to Snack…What is the Answer?

Looking to boost your energy levels and decrease hunger at night? A well-timed afternoon snack may just be your answer! While it is true that snacking too often, especially on salty or sugary snacks, can add pounds not shed them, a healthy snack (a combination of healthy carbs high in fiber and some lean protein) can help satisfy those mid-afternoon cravings and actually help you lose weight.

• Rule of Thumb: Aim for a snack about 2.5-4 hours after your lunch every day.
• Guidelines: Keep it low in salt, if possible, (unless you are going for a run in warm weather after work!) and high in fiber with some protein.

Examples:

• Cut up veggies (peppers, snap peas, cucumbers) with garlic hummus
• Greek yogurt with 2 Tbsp of a flax chia seed blend
• 1-2 Tbsp peanut butter with cut up green apple
• String cheese stick with 1 cup grapes or berries
• 1 Kashi or Kind bar
• 1 hard boiled egg and 12 Kashi crackers

Happy Snacking!

Try this quick recipe. Pair with some cut up veggies such as red or green peppers, or 1 serving of pretzels or whole grain crackers.

Chunky Vegetable Hummus Dip

• 1 container hummus
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1 plum tomato chopped
• 1/4 c feta cheese
• 1/4 c chopped red onion
• Mix well and add to 1 serving of whole grain crackers