On Snacks

    This may be a surprise, but when I first started out as a Dietitian, my least favorite question from clients was, “What are some good healthy snacks?” I blanked. I struggled to field this question for no good reason. And at best, I would redirect the question back to my client: “Well, eh, what kind of healthy snacks do you like?” So, after fumbling this question time after time, I developed a few helpful strategies, inspired by my favorite films. Vegetables are always a good idea. Sabrina: “Paris is always a good idea.” There is the usual equation: vegetables + dip = a healthy snack. This translates to:carrots/ cucumbers/tomatoes + hummus (ranch for those of you under the age of 35). But if you are like me, you might be a little bored with this math. And I’ve found one of the best ways to get in some vegetables is just to blend them up. So here is an awesome and very kid-friendly, veggie smoothie:  Green Apple Smoothie*1 banana1 cup frozen peaches2 cups fresh spinach (seriously!)½ cup of apple cider½ cup unsweetened almond milk*Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum Make a snack you can’t refuse.The Godfather:  “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Eat foods that are irresistible; food that actually tastes good! And what tastes good? Fat. Fat signals our brain that we are satisfied. This is why low-fat snacks or ice cream may not seem as satisfying as the full fat version. And they leave us wishing we had just eaten the real thing. The key is to eat snacks with fats (nuts, seeds, avocado). Here is a GREAT avocado salsa for snacking that really hits the spot (eat it plain, with pita or tortilla chips): Mango and Avocado Salsa*1 cup diced mango1 cup diced avocado3T of diced red pepper or pomegranate seeds3T finely chopped cilantroA squeeze or two of fresh lime juice1T olive oilSalt to taste  *Recipe from Rebecca Katz’s