Mastering the Art of Snacking: Four Simple Swaps for Better Choices

Most of us tend to have a love-hate “all or nothing” relationship with snacks.

One day we’re super strict about avoiding them… 

And then we do a face plant in a carton of ice cream after a bad day (or even a great day when we have something to celebrate).

The good news is, there is a healthy — and delicious — middle ground that can actually HELP you reach your goals.

It’s all about planning your snacks ahead of time, and then working them into your regular meal schedule to hold you over if you get hungry.

That way you can make better choices that move you closer to your goals.

Here are 4 healthy snack swaps to try next time you’re hit with a major craving! 

1) Instead of potato chips, try:

• Homemade kale or zucchini chips. Toss some kale or thinly sliced zucchini in olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and bake at 225ºF/107ºC until crispy (15-30 minutes for kale chips, 70-90 minutes for zucchini). Stir at least once during cooking to ensure even toasting!
  
  
• Jicama or sweet potato fries. Heat the oven to 400ºF/200ºC. Prep the veggies by peeling, washing, drying, and cutting them into fry-shaped sticks. Toss the veggies with a small amount of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. They should be cooked through and crispy-tender.

2) Instead of candy, try:

• Fresh berries or frozen grapes. Both are sweet options with no added sugars.

3) Instead of ice cream, try:

• Frozen banana bites. Slice a banana, place it in a freezer-proof bag, and pop it into the freezer. When you want a creamy snack, place a few “bites” in a bowl and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness!
  
  
• Frozen chia pudding. Mix 2 Tbsp with ½ cup of your favorite milk and 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup. Let it sit for 30 minutes to thicken, then pop into the freezer to freeze. 

Instead of cookies, try:

• Crunchy-creamy rice cakes. Slather brown rice cakes with a thin layer of peanut or almond butter. Yum!

Here’s something to keep in mind: it’s not about depriving yourself or having a “perfect” diet. It’s about making choices that support your health and your goals!

That’s why when our personal trainers work with clients, we start by focusing on what you CAN have to eat.

Can’t live without dessert? Let’s make it work!

Don’t love zucchini? Try carrot chips instead! 

That’s the beauty of having a coach…

You don’t have to have all the answers…

You just have to be open to exploring new options and tweaking things to make it right for YOU. 

Committed to Your Success,

The Method3 Fitness Team

Method3 Fitness is conveniently located in San Jose.  Our team of personal trainers serve clients in Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen and other surrounding Bay Area cities.  

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The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly by our Los Gatos personal trainers. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get active, gain energy and get healthy again!