Smart Snacking: 5 Healthy & Tasty Snack ideas

September always feels a bit like the start of a new year doesn't it? The kids are going back to school and even if you don't have little ones, you might be evaluating your health and wellness goals.. riiiiight? I know I certainly feel like it's a fresh start. So let's get right to it! Let's talk about how you can avoid the mid-aft slump with smart snacking!

Why do you need to snack? It's a great way to keep your fat-burning engines revving high, your blood sugar balanced and mindless eating far out of sight. I always have a light snack mid-afternoon so I don't eat my way through the fridge when I get home in the evening. Now, I believe it's important to make sure your snacks taste amazing so you don't feel restricted and "controlled". Choosing healthy AND delicious snacks is a great way to have control with ease.

Snacking should be simple, quick to prep and super tasty. It also needs to be a source of all three macronutrients (carb/protein/fat), so it satisfies that belly, as opposed to making you more hungry, moody and bloated, which is precisely what a sugary snack can do. Here are 5 power snacks ideas:

Green Tea Infused Warm Milk

Steep 1-2 bags of your favourite green or white tea in 1/4 cup hot water

Warm up 1 cup of almond milk

Combine the green tea and almond milk

Add a sweetener such as stevia or unpasteurized honey

Chocolate Protein Snack

1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder (Sunwarrior is a personal favourite brand)

1 cup almond or brown rice milk

Half cup water

1 tsp cinnamon

Dash of nutmeg

Trail Mix with Yogurt

Combine 5 almond, small handful pumpkin or sunflower seeds, a small handful of goji berries or dried cranberries

Pour over 1/2 cup of your favourite organic plain yogurt, kefir or Greek yogurt (high in protein)

1 tsp of pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp raw chia

Tart & Sweet Treat

1 cold and fresh granny smith apple, sliced

Spread almond butter on each slice

Sprinkle with cinnamon

Walnut Stuffed Medjool Dates

4 plump dates, seed removed

4 walnut halves

Open each date and stuff with a walnut

Another fantastic and fulfilling snack if you have time to bake, are these almond coconut power cookies.