Part of my job as an Registered Dietitian involves keeping up with continuing education units- 75 credits to be exact, to be obtained over 5 years. This requirement assures that we are keeping up to date on current nutrition topics and trends and also gives us the opportunity to obtain additional certifications if desired. Lots of things count towards our CEUs- conferences, a gazillion self-study materials/books, classes, etc. I am currently reading Michael Pollen’s In Defense of Food and then I get to pay over a $100 to take a test on it in hopes that it will count towards my CEUs. Fun, right?!
Anyway, I will give you a book report once I am finished but for now I thought I’d share some healthy, satisfying snack ideas to get you through those study sessions- what ever they may be.
1. Dried cereal with craisins- my favorites are Quaker oat squares, bran squares or Kashi GOLEAN. All high in fiber and crunchy. The goal for whole grain consumption is at least 3 serving a day so if you don’t like a bowl of cereal in the morning, portion out a serving (usually 3/4 or 1 cup) into a baggie for your snack.
2. Handful of nuts and dried fruit- favorite combo is unsweetened apricots, dried cherries with almonds or walnuts. Nuts are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fat as well as calories, but eating a serving a day is linked to decrease risk of heart disease. You can definitely fit them into your diet just make sure to limit yourself to a 1/4 cup nuts plus 1/4 cup dried fruit. They are very satisfying!
3. Greek yogurt & fruit bowl. High in protein and calcium, plus you get in a serving of fruit (any kind will work although berries are my favorite). Read more about this yummy snack.
4. Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter (or almond or soy butter) and a drizzle of honey. Make sure the crackers are whole grain by checking the label (first ingredient should be whole wheat flour). Same deal for peanut butter as the whole nuts- healthy fat, high in protein, good for you, limit amount!
5. Stove top popcorn (or low fat microwave). I am newly addicted to stove top popcorn. It’s not something I’ve ever made before but now I know how easy it is (see directions on bag) I love making it this way. Don’t forget popcorn is a whole grain!!
Everyone needs a snack sometimes- just make sure it’s a nutrient dense choice!!
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Thanks for the snack ideas! We do stovetop popcorn about 3-4x a week. We do add a touch of my husband’s spice mix just to liven it up. I love posts like this because there are so many healthful snacks that I typically have lying around but overlook when my tummy starts growling.
I’m reading that book, too! We’ll have to compare notes! Great snack ideas! Thanks, Melanie… we miss you out here!
I have that book…haven’t read it yet. Have heard great things.
Love the snack list…popcorn is one of my favorite afternoon snacks! we have a hot air popper and the kids and I love using it!
I am a huge lover of yogurt and berries! I also 2nd the popcorn snacking! 😉