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The Power of Snacking!

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Snacking often gets a bad reputation, but it can be a game-changer for your energy, focus, and overall well-being! The key is choosing nutritious snacks – ones that fuel your body, keep you satisfied, and help you power through your day feeling great.  

Benefits of Snacking

If you’ve ever felt sluggish between meals, chances are your blood sugar levels have dropped. Eating a high-protein, high-fiber snack can provide a steady energy boost, helping you stay alert and in a great mood.  

Snacking also prevents overeating later. Long gaps between meals can lead to intense hunger, making it harder to control portion sizes. A well-balanced snack curbs cravings and helps keep you on track with your health goals.  

For those who exercise, post-workout snacks are essential! After a workout, the right snack can restore your energy and aid muscle recovery. But beyond physical health, healthy snacking supports brain functions. Eating small, nutrient-rich snacks throughout the day improves focus, concentration, and productivity, making it easier to stay on top of your tasks

What makes a Healthy Snack?

The best snacks contain protein and fiber, which help keep you full and energized. Pair your snack with a glass of water to stay hydrated and boost digestion. Some of the best healthy snack ideas include nuts and seeds with dried fruit (trail mix), Greek yogurt with berries, hummus and veggies, whole-grain crackers with cheese, or apple slices with peanut butter.  

Now that you know the power of snacking, here are a couple simple and delicious healthy snack recipes to try!

Corn Chips & Cowboy Salsa 

Chips: 

  • Cut corn tortilla into triangles 
  • Spray with Cooking Spray 
  • Put on a baking sheet 
  • Bake in preheated oven at 375 Degrees F until crisp and golden brown (10-20 minutes) Check often and you may need to rotate the pan 
  • Lightly season after you remove from the oven 

Cowboy Salsa: 

  • 1 can drained; Black Beans 
  • 1 can drained; Corn 
  • 1 Diced Bell Pepper- any color 
  • 1 Diced Jalapeno 
  • 3 Diced Roma Tomato’s 
  • 1 Small Diced Red Onion 
  • ¼ Cup Chopped Cilantro 
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice 
  • 1/3 Cup Olive Oil 
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar 
  • Sat & Pepper to taste 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites 

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats 
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter 
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup 
  • 2 scoops chocolate protein powder 
  • 2 tbsp chocolate chips 

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and use a small cookie scoop to form dough into balls. If mixture seems too dry or crumbly add water or almond milk, by the teaspoon for desired consistency.

Greek Yogurt Bark

  • 2 small vanilla Greek yogurt containers. Light or regular
  • ½ cup chunked strawberries or berries of choice 
  • 2 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips 
  • Line an 8×8 Pan with parchment paper 
  • Spoon yogurt over parchment paper spread out with a spatula 
  • Sprinkle with your berries and chocolate chips 
  • Freeze 2-4 hours or overnight 
  • Cut into 9 squares or break apart