Tips for Smarter Snacking with a Family

By: Danielle

Is it just me or does every child want a snack over a meal? I kind of get it.

Snacks are way more fun – and they usually come in a package. Which means more sugar, or more salt, or something that makes them more appealing but not necessarily better for us.

So I have a few tips to help change the name of the game when it comes to snacks. Not just for children but also for ourselves.

Because, when we snack right our energy stays strong and stable, our ability to perform and think at work is improved and we are generally happier people (you've heard the term "hangry" right?).

So let's start snacking the right way starting with these 4 tips:

1. Tip #1 - Get kids involved – If you have kids at home, get them involved in choosing and prepping their own snacks so they'll be more likely to eat them. When we decide what's for snack they immediately lose interest. But children want control over food, and when they have it they are more keen to eat it.
2. Tip #2 – Prep grab and go snacks - Make it easy to choose healthy food over nutrient lacking food by keeping bags or containers of cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Better yet, keep them front and center so they are the first thing you see.
3. Tip #3 - Prep tubs of high-fiber dips – Dips are so underrated! Veggies and fruit on their own won't keep you satiated as long without the fat and protein with them. Fat and protein provide lasting energy by not allowing you to spike and crash. So make a dip to last through the week or buy some pre-made. Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Pesto and Garlic dips are my personal faves.
4. Tip #4 - Make and freeze baked goods – And make them in batches, and defrost enough for the coming week. Easy freeze tip: Space them out on a baking sheet, freeze until hard, then store in bags. I love making mini spinach muffins, protein powder cookies, and black bean brownies.

Smarter snacking starts now!