Hey mamas!
Today I wanted to talk about a real struggle I have. Let me start at the root. I’m impulsive. And usually when I’m feeling impulsive (or emotional, or hungry, or a combination of all) I make bad decisions. I may buy that useless thing at target. I may go out of my way to get the comfort food (ie. a coffee from Joe Bean’s), or I may eat whatever snack is closest and easiest. This is a problem I’ve always had and until recently have had a real hard time reigning it in. So, for all you who know the struggle is real, I just wanted to share what helped me cope with my impulsive snacking in order to get back to my pre pregnancy weight, and then some! (Keep in mind this isn’t the only habit I changed, but this made a HUGE difference!).
*I would just like everyone to know that I am not receiving a dime for writing this post! Any brands mentioned are truly the ones I use regularly and genuinely recommend. I am sure there are other great brands in your area too, feel free to experiment! That’s how I found what I love. Just be sure to read the nutrition labels oh so carefully!*
Greek yogurt
I eat Fage Total 0. This has been the best yogurt I have found that is the lowest in sugar content. Also, the thick consistency of this yogurt is like none other. Once you get used to it you’ll think all other yogurts are soup. The biggest reason why this yogurt is such a great snack is the protein! 23 freakin grams of protein! That’s more than you’ll find in some protein shakes!
Fage Total 0 also has no added sugar. The only sugar in this is naturally occurring lactose sugars. I urge you to compare the nutrition labels of this yogurt to, say, Yoplait whips. Look at the sugar content. Sugar falls as the SECOND ingredient and high fructose corn syrup is number 4. You’ll see a varying range of + or – 20 grams of sugar (not to mention preservatives and um… NITROGEN! (What?) Did you know that a woman’s daily recommended intake is only 25??? So there you go, eat up your whole day’s sugar allowance in one little yogurt. Or not. Try a greek yogurt that is free of any kind of sweeteners and add your own! Mixed berries or raisins and a granola or cereal that is also low in sugar is a great pair with greek yogurt!
Fruit
I run to the grocery store about twice a week to get fresh batches of bananas. David, Josh, and I all have at least one almost every day. They’re filling, sweet, they reduce cramps, and help brain function. You really can’t go wrong with a banana.
I also love to binge on berries. Sadly, however, they are out of season here so I’ve had to pull my resources.
Kiwis are another favorite and super easy to pack and bring to work. I just slice my kiwi in half and dish it out with a spoon, almost like eating a boiled egg.
Water
Some of you are thinking, “Umm, Chelsea? Water is NOT a snack…”
Hear me out on this one. Many times when our stomach starts to feel hollow and make those horrible grumbling noises, we think “Oh, I’m getting hungry!” But actually, what we don’t realize is that many times when this happens, it is also a symptom of thirst and dehydration! So before you head to the fridge, take a minute and drink a full glass of water. (Most of us aren’t as good with keeping up with our water intake as we should be anyway). Let that sit in your stomach for at least 5 minutes and then see how hungry you are. If you still got those hunger pangs, then by all means, feed yourself. If that seems to have quenched the fire, then great! Another indulgence conquered!
Old-Fashioned Oats
This is a quick fix that I have for breakfast a lot or to hold me over during the day. 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of sugar, a bowl of this is going to have you feeling full for hours.
Almonds
One of the reasons why I love to have almonds is because there’s no prep here. Just grab a bag at the store and you’re good to go! 12 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein (heck yeah! who needs to spend money on sugary protein shakes?!).
These are great for anyone but especially those with face paced jobs who don’t have time to sit down with a bowl and spoon.
Compare these to a Nature Valley or other snack bar and you’re looking at 12-14 grams or more of sugar. Now if you really want a snack bar, Kind bars have about half the sugar I just mentioned (depending on flavor).
So ladies, tell me what you got! What healthy snacks do you keep on hand to fight those not so guilt-free cravings? Trust me, I would love to hear what you have to say. Leave a reply in the comments below and follow along on Facebook or Bloglovin’ if you like what you read. Thanks guys!
Brittany Collier says
I wish I like yogurt 🙁 But I love these tips, thanks for sharing!!
Alexandra @ My Urban Family says
I love Fage yogurt – and you’re totally right, now when I eat other brands it seems soooo thin! I always love how much protein is in them 🙂
Alex says
Love these tips! I love snacking on fruit, yogurt and oatmeal. 🙂 My definite go to is making a fruit salad and having it prepped in my fridge ready to go. That way, instead of getting an “easy” snack like chips, my fruit is easy, as well!! 🙂
Katie @ Talk LEss, Say More says
Last night I found myself craving something else to eat even though I knew I didn’t actually NEED anything else. I opened the fridge and saw a container of blueberries and grabbed a handful. It was perfect!!
Kam Kay says
I am happy to see almonds in the list. I love nibbling on them anytime. These are great snacks to have on hand. Thanks for sharing!
Kristina PAdgett says
This is such a great post. I totally struggle with cravings, I’m probably one of the worst! But this was so helpful 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lori Hil says
I adore greek yogurt! And nutrient-packed Green Smoothies to nip cravings!
melissa blake says
I love keeping granola bars on hand…such a great snack that feels like a dessert! xoxo
Melissa | So About What I Said
Jasmine says
I love almonds. I can eat with anything lol
I’ve tried greek yogurt but I wasn’t a fan of it. 🙁
Shaylee @ Data Nerds says
This is like a list of my favourite snacks! 🙂
Carol says
Great ideas! My favorite snack when I am watching my intake is an avocado. Just cut and grab a spoon!
lauren | talk of the trains blog says
I NEED to eat and find healthier snacks! Comfort food and snacking is my downfall and I have to run more so I that can eat more! Haha.
Kim says
I love wasabi almonds…so yummy
Meredith says
Almonds or cashews are a must for me! I also like to bring almond butter and celery sticks to work to a good afternoon snack!
Fatima says
Such a great post for mums! I love all the things you have mentioned in the blog post! 🙂
http://www.blogsbyfa.com
DT says
I love Greek Yogurt and Almonds!
— DT | Here I Scribble
Shantel says
I can live with all 5 of these snacks. I prefer the Yoplait greek yogurt. It tastes much better to me.
Marion says
Great tips! This is when my healthy eating always falls down, I am fine with meals but its when I want a snack I usually cave! So thanks for sharing!
Marilyn says
Oh yea! Yum since I’m breast feeding, oats are a daily staple these days lol.
Chelsea says
For sure! Keep that milk supply up! Haha. Have you heard of Mother’s Milk tea? It’s made by Traditional Medicinals and it uses fennel to help aid milk production. I had to get used to it because it kind of tastes like licorice but I saw such a difference!
Claudia H. Blanton says
Oh, I love greek yogurt, it is such a great snack to have on hand, you are right. That and almonds, which I must say I have been slacking on that one. Not sure why I stopped eating them, must remedy that.
Blessings!
Found you via our mutual facebook group “Bloggers United”
Gul-e-Zehra says
I love snacking on yogurt, water and almonds! Great post ❤
http://www.gulezehrasblog.blogspot.com
Mandi says
great choices!
Candis hickman says
Yes to versatile Old Fashioned Oats! I blend them up to make flour for my pancakes!
Erica Musyt says
Almonds are definitely a go-to snack of mine. I love them! Cashews too 🙂
Shann says
Great tips! I love having bananas and almonds around. I haven’t tried that Greek yogurt yet, but sounds good with low sugar.
DT says
Oatmeal is my recent favorite 🙂
— DT | Here I Scribble
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
these are some of my favorite snacks too..have your tried siggis yogurt? mind blowingly good!
cye says
I feel like I’m always hungry and what my mistake is I buy packs of chocolates and stock it in my drawer at work so they are always there to tempt me. I don’t like yoghurt but I will try together with the other 4.
kristina PAdgett says
Love these snacks! Great post!
Erin says
These are definitely great snack options! I love greek yogurt!
Jill says
I’m on a smoothie kick lately – greek yogurt, berries, and milk. So tasty!
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
Great suggestions – I love fruit when I’m craving something sweet. If I’ve got a chocolate craving I add a little bit of dark chocolate with fruit and it’s not too bad at all!
cye says
I brought some yoghurts and tried to drinka lot today. It was good. Thanks!
Angie says
These are great! I definitely need to be better prepared with my snacks.
jill conyers says
Hi Chelsea. It’s nice to meet you. I love your blog! Visiting from SYBL xoxo
Looks like we have a lot in common with the snacks.
Sheena Neil says
Some handy tips. I love almonds, you can keep in your bag for days and they won’t go off. I recently purchased a snack container stacker thingy and I always make sure I have some fresh and dry snacks to keep myself and my toddler happy. I think being a mum has taught us to always be prepared when heading out to run errands 😉
Morgan says
I’ve been loving snacking on whole, roasted edamame beans lately! Whenever I am craving something salty, I reach for 1/4 cup of those and my craving is Gone.. i often don’t even get through that whole amount in one sitting because they are so chock full of protein!
Thank you for the tips!
Nancy Kuntz says
I find protein balls are a great go to snack for me, also apples & oranges in winter months (don’t like banana’s). I eat the Dannon Greek Light & Fit 80 cal yogurt cups & raw mixed nuts that consist of almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios and pecans in small amounts (15to 20).
Fiona says
Love your snack ideas.. I need a new yogurt to try. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with water but that does help!
Thanks.
Fiona @ fionafitnessfun.com