Snack Attack: Some of Our Favorites

Chances are, if you are working out hard and running around after your little ones all day, you are going to get hungry. Hunger is your body's way of saying "I need fuel". IT'S OK TO EAT between meals. Snacks even help rev up you metabolism (and we all love that). If you are breastfeeding, you NEED them. If you ignore that little voice inside your head, you may end up binge eating later in the day. Starving yourself will lead to eating a HUGE dinner later in the night or caving into quick fix like a fast food joint (if you haven't done so already, cut those places out of your diet completely). Every time my husband and I leave the house, we always make sure we have snacks for us and the kids. We pack a large cooler if we are planning on being out all day with a lunch and drinks included. For most 'normal' days where we are just in and out of the house or car running errands, we throw a few extra things in my purse or diaper bag. Here are a few of our favorite go-to snacks that came to mind:

- Gluten free pretzels/baby carrots w/ hummus (I am allergic to wheat, I LOVE the Glutino brand)
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin seeds
- Zone bars (Fudge Graham and Chocolate Mint are my 2 favorite flavors)
- Fruit Buddies (these are a good alternative if you can't make your own)
- Trail Mix (Back to Nature - California Coast)
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, kiwi slices, berries, etc)
- Sliced veggies, fresh w/ low fat ranch
- Dried Apricots
- Low fat cottage cheese w/ Craisins
- Popcorn
- String cheese
- Dove dark chocolate squares (sometimes I need a chocolate fix and a couple of these will do the trick)
- Lucy's organic/ gluten/dairy free cookies - individual packs - any flavor
- Lara bars
- Hard boiled eggs
- Frozen grapes
- Raisin boxes

Be careful of the dried fruits and yogurts, keep your servings to a minimum. Even though they are healthy, they can contain a lot of natural sugars. Nuts and seeds can be high in sodium as well. Also, if you don't have time to eat or want a meal replacement, try one of my shake recipes and put it in a to-go cup. Perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner :) Finally, always make sure you are drinking LOTS of water!