- Low Sodium V8 - The first time I tasted this low sodium drink, I wasn't impressed, but my taste buds quickly adjusted and now I love it. I don't have it every day, but find it is especially handy when I'm running short on time and low on vegetables. It helps me to stay on track.
- Romaine Lettuce - This is going to sound silly to some, but a few years ago, when I was short on time and desperate for a salad, I started taking two to three romaine lettuce leaves, rinsing them, and eating them just like that, treating them as if they were a carrot or celery stick. I often invite my 12-year-old son to have a leaf or two with me and he actually loves it. Romaine leaves are crisper than other lettuce leaves and so quite enjoyable this way. I feel full without feeling overstuffed.
- Colorful Bell Peppers - This is another vegetable I like for a quick snack. I cut out the top (I actually just punch it in and then pull it out...takes less time than a knife), rinse out the seeds and cut it into strips to eat myself or share with my kids or husband. I love the red, yellow and orange peppers (actually they are all the same pepper in various stages of ripening; they go from green to yellow to orange to read). And again, I feel satisfied after eating this. A great way to sneak in a vegetable on the run with minimal effort.
- Bananas - Takes way less than 30 seconds to peel. The easiest possible snack.
- Any Fruit - Though bananas are probably my first choice of fruit when in a hurry, I like to stake stocked up on others as well. It doesn't take much to peel a tangerine or rinse a small bunch of grapes. Less than a minute and I can have a power-packed snack. I do find that my blood sugar levels benefit from just a bit of protein when I eat some fruit.
- Almond Butter - A tablespoon of this provides just the protein kick I sometimes need mid-afternoon to maintain my blood sugar and energy levels. With a little more time, I will eat it with a banana or cut up an apple and put a bit on each slice. I like the Maple Almond Butter best. Yum.
- Natural Peanut Butter - I use this the same way I use the almond butter. Provides that mid-afternoon blood sugar stabilizer I need.
- Protein Powder - If I have a minute or a little longer, I like to throw a scoop of protein powder, a banana, and a 8 oz. of milk in the blender and let it whir. this is a food combo that fills me up and stabilizes my blood sugar.
- Yogurt and Oatmeal - I like to take about a half-cup of oatmeal and add a couple tablespoons or more of raw oatmeal, mix and eat. Very satisfying.
- Canned Beans - If I have a can of beans in the pantry, I'm set for making a filling snack or main dish when I'm in a rush. Instructions: Open a can of black beans or other beans of your choice, rinse sodium off, add some frozen corn, a little salsa, microwave for a minute and then enjoy.
With a few Chia seeds sprinkled on top, this smoothie was delicious and satisfying! |
Sneak Peek at Tomorrow's Post: Favorite Non-Food Treats and Indulgences
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