Snacks, we all need them! They help support energy levels throughout the day when we choose nutrient-balanced options and provide fuel for our day. But as we all know, snacks can be made of healthy ingredients or junk food, so having nutrient-rich options on hand or in your environment, wherever you are, is key. That’s why we’re here to share some of our favorite healthy snack recipes with you!
Tips for Balancing Your Snacks:
1. Pair Protein with Fruits, Veggies, and Probiotics
Try a smoothie made with a cup of blueberry kefir, a frozen banana and some peanut butter. Snack times are great opportunities to get extra servings of fruits and vegetables, and probiotics. This is a great example and an easy option to take on the go. Want to add some veggies? Add a handful of spinach or your favorite greens powder. Or, add in a scoop of protein powder if you don’t want to use nut butter. Lifeway kefir’s probiotics will help support your gut and soothe the tummy, which is key to those mid-day slumps that can lead to jitters or anxiety. This snack is a balanced option that support your hormones, hunger, and gut health in one, which will in turn, provide your metabolism with just what it needs!
Keep Added Sugar in Check for Optimal Energy
Generally speaking, snacks made with whole, nutrient-dense foods will naturally keep sugar in check. Overall processed foods, such as snack cakes, cookies, sweet snacks, protein bars, coffee drinks, energy drinks, and even some flavored yogurts, can be natural suspects for too much sugar, so choose options wisely. This will protect your energy levels from the surge and crash that can come with blood sugar issues from too many added sugars.
*Note, Lifeway kefir’s flavors only have 1 gram of added sugar per ounce, and all of our plain flavors have no added sugar! This makes them the perfect protein and probiotic snacks to keep dietary added sugar in check. Our kefir is easy to pair with your favorite fruit, nuts, cheese, and veggies. We also love Farmer Cheese as a healthy dip or spread mid-day since it’s full of protein, probiotics, and also has no added sugar. Try it on some gluten-free toast, like our Kiwi and Goji Berry Farmer Cheese Toast.
Hummus and rice cakes with veggies or fruit is also fun! Try our Sweet Potato Hummus as an easy way to get in some veggies, protein, probiotics, and fiber all in one recipe. Or, try this simple Avocado Salad Rice Cake recipe we can’t get enough of!
Balance Carbs, Protein, and Fiber
This trifecta is the perfect option for energy balance to keep blood sugar levels in check, too. A perfect option is some of the above options along with some others, including those with a dose of healthy fats for satisfaction. Try these options:
Trail mix, which is an excellent option filled with healthy fats, protein, fiber, and natural carbohydrates from the dried fruit. Check to make sure the trail mix doesn’t contain added sugars or artificial ingredients. Or, choose a grain-free or gluten-free granola low in added sugars for another option.
Dark (low sugar) chocolate with an orange and some pumpkin seeds which is a great source of carbs, fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron from the pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate. Oranges are also a good source of calcium!
Homemade Cereal Bars – Try our easy Cereal Bars with Dried Fruit made with Lifeway kefir. It’s an easy way to meal-prep your snacks so you can take them on-the-go!
Check out more of our gut-healthy recipes here for endless snack options! Or, create your own. We’d love to hear how you love to use Lifeway products to power up your day and keep you fueled. Share your favorite ways to use our products with us at Instagram!