The basic rule of healthy snacking is to increase the protein and fat of your snack and limit the carbohydrate and sugar content. For example, apple slices topped with almond butter provides the fat and protein required to increase and sustain your energy, as opposed to an apple on its own which will only stave off the hunger for 30 – 60 minutes.
By turning your snack into a mini-meal that can fuel you for 2 – 3 hours, you will reduce sugar cravings, maintain your energy throughout the day, and help stabilize your mood. As nutritious as your snack may be, adequate sleep and hydration are the other required ingredients for sustained energy. Before starting to even think about healthy snacking, please focus on getting 7—8 hours of sleep each night and don’t forget to sip your 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
Once you’ve incorporated a regular schedule of restful sleep and consistent hydration, try including one of our recommended mini-meals before or after lunch, depending upon your schedule and when you need it most.
