As we rapidly approach the holidays, are you noticing some seasonal food cravings? Warm, baked cookies? Spiked egg nog? Baked brie and cranberries? Yule log cake? These cravings and customs are so deep-rooted, associated with love and connection, warmth by the fire, and the beauty of the season, its sparkling lights and smells of pine. Who doesn't love holiday parties with delicious foods, desserts and drinks? By all means enjoy the foods and feels of the season! But in the aftermath, how often do you complain of feeling weighed down? For part 6 of my food swap series, I'm talking about smart snacking to fill you with protein, healthy fat and fiber-rich carbs before you chow down on holiday goodies. These healthy snacks are great between meals as needed and before parties to take the edge off those cravings.
Throughout the year, everyone needs snack options, especially those with hypoglycemia or poor stress resilience. A key to smart snacking is to make sure it contains all three macronutrients – protein, fat and carbs – to provide satiety and blood glucose stability. What better time to upgrade your snacks than during the holidays to keep you satisfied, happy and healthy?!
Here is a list of snacks pairing protein and healthy fat with a fruit or a vegetable:
Smart Snacks
I'd love to hear from you; if you have healthy snacks you love that aren't on this list, please share below in the comments! And happy holidays everyone! xoxo
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Mom's Hummus (excerpted from my book, Gutsy)
This creamy, protein- and fiber-rich hummus was my mother’s classic recipe. Serve with raw sliced carrots, cucumber, radishes and/or jicama.
Print recipe
1 20-ounce can of chickpeas (or 2 15-oz cans), drained and well rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large clove garlic
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Handful of fresh herb such as rosemary, dill or basil, optional
Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until creamy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Throughout the year, everyone needs snack options, especially those with hypoglycemia or poor stress resilience. A key to smart snacking is to make sure it contains all three macronutrients – protein, fat and carbs – to provide satiety and blood glucose stability. What better time to upgrade your snacks than during the holidays to keep you satisfied, happy and healthy?!
Here is a list of snacks pairing protein and healthy fat with a fruit or a vegetable:
Smart Snacks
- pistachios & strawberries
- olives & baby bell peppers
- hummus & carrot sticks
- guacamole & crudité
- hard-boiled egg & grape tomatoes
- almond butter on apple slices
- grapes & cheese sticks
- jerky with oranges or cucumbers
- sunbutter with celery sticks
I'd love to hear from you; if you have healthy snacks you love that aren't on this list, please share below in the comments! And happy holidays everyone! xoxo
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Mom's Hummus (excerpted from my book, Gutsy)
This creamy, protein- and fiber-rich hummus was my mother’s classic recipe. Serve with raw sliced carrots, cucumber, radishes and/or jicama.
Print recipe
1 20-ounce can of chickpeas (or 2 15-oz cans), drained and well rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large clove garlic
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Handful of fresh herb such as rosemary, dill or basil, optional
Place all ingredients in food processor and blend until creamy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!