Ask Denise: What Are Healthy Snack Ideas?

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Nutrition
One of the BEST ways to lose weight is to check in on what you are eating... especially the snacks you may be mindlessly putting in your mouth! While I think snacks are a great way to tide over cravings or help keep your energy levels up during the day, the TYPE of healthy snack is so important! That's why my 10-Week Meal Plan includes snack ideas that are healthy, filling and will satisfy your cravings!

Think about it: how do you feel after you eat a bag of greasy chips? Physically, probably not that great, and mentally, maybe a little guilty and defeated. Same thing with a bag of candy. this is because these are snacks that don't really offer our minds and body many nutrients. So while we may be smoothing over a hunger pang, we really aren't offering anything positive up to our bodies in the long run. (And yes, I include myself because I am known to love the not-so-healthy snacks from time to time!)

So how do we switch into healthy snack idea mode? Start with small swaps:

  • Instead of chips and dip, have fresh veggies and dip. You will still get the crunch, but will also be adding lots of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, while taking in far fewer calories and unhealthy fat.
  • Instead of a pint of ice cream on the couch, walk to the ice cream store and get one serving! You will have gotten in some exercise while also practicing portion control.
  • Begin to "purge" your pantry of unhealthy snacks, and replace with healthy ones. My EVER BETTERâ„¢ Protein Bites are the perfect healthy swap to satisfy your sweet tooth!
  • My Stop The Clock Nutrition Plan has dozens of checklists devoted to how to clean our your pantry, healthy snack swaps and more, so check it out!

This Healthy Snack Ideas video can also help - see what I like to snack on, and why!! And don't forget members at DeniseAustin.com get access to helpful nutrition information, including a customizable Meal Plan - you can choose vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium and more!

It's part of my popular "Ask Denise" series, and you can see more food related ones here:

Ask Denise: Hw DO I Stop Drinking Soda?

Ask Denise: How Do I know What The Right Portion Looks Like?

And don't forget to check out my Stop The Clock Nutrition Plan - it's a downloadable, printable guide with dozens of recipes, eating and nutrition advice, a 4-week food challenge and more!!!

Let's get fitter, together - inside and out,

Denise

Video Script:

Hi everybody. I'm so excited to answer some of your questions and a lot of you have been asking, do I eat snacks? Yes I do. I love snacking, but I make sure it's healthy snacks. Here's some of my very favorite. First of all, I eat an early breakfast, then lunch, and then I tried to eat an early dinner, so in between I do get a little hungry, but I try not to eat an abundance amount of food just a little and it keeps me until the next meal, so here's some of my favorites. I love fruit because fruit is a great way to kind of help your sweet tooth. If you have one like I do and I love dates and cherries, apples are so good for you. Then I also go for nuts. Nuts are delicious, plus they're great for healthy fats and protein. One of my favorite is a roasted walnuts and almonds of course. Then another snack I always go to is hummus. I try to always do it with a little extra fiber. Carrots and celeries are so good with hummus. Plus it's fruit, veggies, and a little bit of protein. It's all good for you. These are ways to keep your energy level up, and for those of you that like to learn more, go to Denise austin.com and find out about my new Stop The Clock Nutrition guide.