Snacking between meals is often viewed negatively, but it is not inherently bad! If you're feeling hungry between meals, it's a sign that your body needs more fuel. When done right, it can be a great opportunity to boost your nutrient intake, curb appetite between meals and keep your energy levels stable. It may just be a matter of having the right snacks on hand!
A healthy snack includes nutrient-dense foods, protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. These components help keep you full, provide sustained energy, and support overall health. Check out some of these snack recipes and ideas!
Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
2 tbsp. honey or pure maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and enjoy with apples, strawberries, cherries, oranges, etc.!
Edamame with Sea Salt
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen edamame (in pods)
1 tsp sea salt
Directions:
Boiling: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add frozen edamame and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process. Steaming: Place edamame in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Once cooking is complete, toss with sea salt.
Protein Balls
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup rolled oats
½ cup vanilla protein powder
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp. chia seeds
½ cup peanut butter
3 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tbsp liquid (water or milk)
Optional: 1/3 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or craisins
Directions:
Add all dry ingredients (oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and chia seeds) to a large bowl and stir to combine.
Add in peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add in optional ingredients like chocolate chips or raisins.
Slowly add in 1 tbs. of liquid, one at a time, until the mixture combines into a sticky consistency.
Roll into 1-inch balls using hands or cookie scoop.
Store in fridge or freezer! Enjoy!
Other Simple Snacks that Require Little Preparation:
· Carrots + Hummus
· Cucumber, Bell peppers, Carrots + Guacamole
· Pineapple + Cottage Cheese
· Veggies + Cottage Cheese
· Hard Boiled Eggs
· Apple slices + Peanut butter
· Fruit + Cheese stick
· Fruit + Nuts (almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
How Tria can Help
Tria Health is a benefit available through select healthcare plans, and provides a one on one, personalized approach to your health. Tria offers access to expert pharmacists who provide a second pair of eyes on not only your medications, but your overall health and wellbeing. For those looking for anything health advice related to their medications, or light hearted snacks they can work into their busy everyday life, Tria is here for you.
Questions?
For any questions related to your diet, medications, or chronic condition(s), you can reach out to the Tria Health Desk at 913-322-8456.