Do any of you feel hungry, like, all the time? I work out 5 days a week, consecutively, and I feel like I could eat all day. There are sometimes when I actually DO eat all day (but I can kinda get away with it because I work out so much). Most of the time I eat fairly healthy foods, but sometimes I sneak those Goldfish and cookies in throughout the day. I've found that I eat worse snack foods because they are easily accessible. Keep quick, easy healthy snacks on hand and you'll always have access to better options. If you want to eat healthier, start with snacks and work your way up to meals. Once you start eating healthy SOMEWHERE in your day, your body will adjust and start to crave the good stuff. Here are some great examples of what to eat, without breaking the bank and causing yourself too much trouble in preparations. You can get all of this stuff at Aldi's (cheapest option), or use the FREE Walmart Grocery service if you've got a full list and save $10 off your first order (great for busy moms)!

Popcorn

Popcorn is a great healthier snack option. There are plain or lightly salted/buttered varieties. Or, my personal favorite (below) White Cheddar. I have become addicted to this stuff! And it's so easy to prepare - just dump from bag into bowl! Haha A much better option than greasy chips.

 

Veggies

This is another easy way to curb your hunger pains - veggies and hummus! The only real effort it takes to make this snack is: wash & cut the veggies (most cost effective). Or you can get already cut veggies and just get right to enjoying your snack. Personally, I think peppers, carrots and broccoli make the best veggies to dip in hummus. They make premade hummus' too, in every flavor imaginable if you don't like plain. I've tried a couple recipes for homemade hummus and it just turns out terrible every time. I waste a ton of ingredients and time, it's just not worth it to me. Hummus is made of chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) and is packed with protein! Such a great filling snack - just watch the portions because hummus can get fattening with all the oil they use to make it.

Apples

Obviously, fruit is a great snack by itself and packed with plenty of nutrients. But sometimes, we need a little something extra to go with our fruit. Apples are great snack to add on to. I personally love adding peanut butter or white cheddar cheese for extra protein (just watch the portions for fat)! You could also get some of your white cheddar popcorn and add it to the apples. Apples can be a really filling snack when paired with peanut butter (what I used to eat for breakfast every morning). Bananas also pair really well with peanut butter.

Kale Chips

I used to be really intimidated by kale (and collards & spinach) because I didn't know how to make it. I've since figured out how to steam and add my own sauce for flavoring, but I wanted healthier "snack" options for the day. And cooked kale just did not sound appealing to me for a quick and easy snack. So, I looked up some recipes on Pinterest and figured out how to make the best and easiest Kale Chips! Our oven is hotter than most, I guess, so I had to make some adjustments to the temp and time, but they still turn out great every time!

Ingredients

fresh kale

olive oil

ranch packet

Directions

Wash and dry kale, if in a bunch, and tear into smaller pieces. If using a prewahsed bag, just dump into the pan and tear the bigger pieces.

Drizzle olive oil (you do not need to soak every piece, here)

Add ranch packet (you don't need the whole thing, just a sprinkling on the top)

Mix it all together in the pan (so easy)

Oven temp at 355F for 15min (notice how full my pan is - if you're using less kale, adjust time)

Yummy, crispy ranch Kale Chips!!

 

Hope y'all enjoyed my quick and easy healthy snack ideas! I made these kale chips today and I just had to share my recipe! That's what inspired today's post :) Let me know if you have any quick & healthy snack ideas in the comments below! I would love to add some more to my routine! <3 Amanda