Day 8: Nourish Your Festivities: Nutrient-Rich Holiday Snacks
Day 8: Nourish Your Festivities: Nutrient-Rich Holiday Snacks for Every Occasion
Nourish Your Festivities: Nutrient-Rich Holiday Snacks for Every Occasion
With things on the go this month and all those other days where you may think you won’t have time for a decent (and fueling) meal or snack, I encourage people to consider snacks as part of their day. Snackkng works for all meals and all in between. I think the difference between a “meal” and a “snack” is semantics. What I may consider a meal is a snack to someone else, and if I have yogurt and fruit for breakfast – is that a meal or snack? Does it matter?
If we have a hectic day ahead or a holiday dinner later tonight, snacks can help get you through the day with less hunger and manage your intake throughout the day.
The Snack Dilemma:
The holiday season brings an array of events, from when you are non-stop doing activities such as organizing an event, driving around for errands, traveling, or the Christmas (or Festivus) party. For those “bigger” eating events, it is tempting to “save up” for the food and not eat in anticipation.
But consider how having nutrient-rich snacks earlier in the day can keep you fueled, satisfied, and nourished throughout the festivities and help minimize overeating later in the day.
On-the-Go: For those busy days when time is of the essence, having nutrient-rich snacks on hand is critical. Consider options like:
Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.
Fresh fruit paired with a handful of nuts.
Veggie sticks with hummus.
Travel-Worthy Treats: Whether you’re prepping for a road trip or the chaos of air travel, be prepared to fuel your travels with convenient and nutrient-packed snacks. Try:
Trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruits (and even chocolate).
String cheese with whole-grain crackers.
Nut butter packets with whole fruit like an apple or banana.
Party Prep: Even when you have a big meal later today, having nutrient-rich snacks helps hold off hunger (hager?) and helps with wiser choices. When you arrive and see some of those appetizers, consider these options:
Smoked salmon and whole-grain crackers.
Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Sliced veggies and some cheese.
Creative Snack Ideas for now and the other 11 months of the year:
Cottage Cheese Parfait: Layer cottage cheese with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a protein-rich snack.
Edamame Snack Bowl: Roast edamame with salt for a crunchy, nutrient and protein-packed snack.
Greek Yogurt Bark: Mix Greek yogurt with your favorite chopped fruits, spread it on a tray, freeze it, and break it into bark for a twist on this popular food.
Homemade Trail Mix: Create your trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and some dark chocolate for sweetness.
Protein-Packed Smoothie: Blend Greek yogurt, soy milk, (frozen) fruit like strawberries or bananas, and a scoop of protein powder for a smoothie that will stick with you for several hours.
Balancing Act:
Amid the holiday hustle, let nutrient-rich snacks be your friend, not your foe. They contribute to your overall well-being and may help you get nutrients. Embrace snacking, and celebrate this holiday season with nourishment and balance!
Check in on the blog tomorrow for the BONUS Take Five: Five Snacks That You Can Carry with You.
