Snacks That Energize!

Snacking can be beneficial to you and your fitness goals, if you choose healthy foods to snack on. Having a small snack between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, can actually prevent you from becoming too hungry and overeating during your main meals. However, make sure to pick a snack that will give you a sustainable energy boost and not just a quick sugar rush. This means staying away from snack foods that are 100% carbs and offer no protein.

Cookies, candy, and many other vending machine items are often not healthy choices. Ideally, the snack should be between 150 and 250 calories depending on your daily calorie intake goals. Make sure to subtract your snacking calories from your daily allowance, but understand they are calories well spent! Energy bars are a great snack options since they are made for athletes and people who workout. Most bars offer a balanced amount of carbs, protein, and fat. Make sure to avoid energy bars that are too high in sugar.

If you are planning on snacking before working out, eat your snack at least 45 minutes before hitting the gym. Energy drinks can be consumed up to 15 minutes before your workout. A small piece of non-fibrous fruit, such a half a banana is also a good snack choice. Healthy snacking may take a little more planning on your part, and yes, you might have to bring stuff from home ... but the effort will pay off. Try to eat snacks that offer 25 or less carbs, 8-15 grams of protein, and 5 or less fat grams. Cottage cheese and fruit, a mini bagel with low-fat peanut butter, or an apple with low-fat cheese are all good options. Snack on my friends!