It’s that time again. You’ve had your lunch and a couple of hours have gone by and your belly is starting to growl at you. Or even more commonly, dinner was an hour and a half ago and you’re in full bliss in your trackies, in front of the TV and the kitchen cupboard is calling you. What do you do? Your mind is telling you that you don’t need any more food, but your belly is saying something else! You just want something to chew on, you just want something to graze on, you may crave that sweet sugar taste at the back of your throat, or you may desire that crunch of something savoury. And then, that’s it, you can’t take it much more and you’ve given in. Without a second thought you open the cupboard and go for that chocolate bar….which has now turned into 2 or even 3. AND YOU’RE STILL HUNGRY. Time to open those Hobnobs…..
We’ve all been here, and the majority of us still are. Whether it’s snacking far too much in the day because your eating structure is all over the place and you’re not having 3 nutritious meals consistently or you are just genuinely hungry. Snacking is a way of curbing that hunger in between meals, but SHOULD NOT be in replacement of meals. Serial Snackers turned Compliant Client have come to realise the importance of this when they start working with me and have that person to be accountable to, guiding them every step of the way. The irony is the whole point of a snack is to keep you full until your next meal, yet people will nearly always choose snacks that are low in protein, high in fats and carbs and high in sugars-and will nearly always have more than they should. Everyone knows protein is what keeps you fuller for longer. So, the next time you feel that urge, think about whether you are actually genuinely hungry (or whether it’s just boredom) and if hungry, go for the more higher protein options.
Personally, I prefer to eat bigger meals (x4) than snack throughout the day. But, if I do snack, it’s usually a Grenade protein bar or a banana that I’ve needed to have just before I train. A lot of clients have been asking me recently for some good snack ideas, so here they are. Some are higher in protein, some don’t have any protein at all but all are still the more lower calorie option and the more nutritious option compared to your binges on Cadbury’s and Kettle Crisps! Just bear in mind different brands and different flavour variations may affect the calories so always check the label. Here they are, my top favourite- try them out and DM me to let me know what you thought!
Protein Yoghurt Pots/ Pouches (148 calories) These are delicious as well as filling. 25g of easy protein. Arla are a good brand but even Aldi’s own brand is just as good. Raspberry is personally my fave and easy to carry around. At times where I’ve not a lot of time before a 6am client, these are good for a quick easy brekkie on the go!
Grenade Bars (approx. 220ish calories) THE BEST PROTEIN BAR IN THE WORLD. I’m not just saying this just because I’m an Ambassador, they really are. Beautiful variety of flavours. The Carb Killa bars are still about 20g or so in carbs, same as their level of protein. The Reload bars are more higher in carb due to the oaty/ flapjacky texture but great as a pre or post workout. Great replacement for a chocolate bar if you have a sweet tooth like me. Put in a microwave for 20seconds and you have yourself a pudding!
Grenade Protein Shakes (approx. 188 calories) Their shakes are just as banging. Have them on their own or poured over cereal (yes I sometimes have cereal and a shake before bed) the different flavours are lovely. They even work warmed up too in the microwave. Poured delicately over Weetabix is a real treat!
Fibre 1 Bars (77 calories) (Or Fibre Now if you shop at Aldi). Salted Caramel is my favourite flavour. Just try and avoid more than 2 of these, as it can affect your toilet habits. Definitely another sweet fix if you enjoy cake like me.
0% Greek Yoghurt (109 calories per 175g) What I love about yoghurt is how versatile it is, not to mention this amount has 17.5g of protein and less than 1g of fat. If you like with some berries and a square of dark chocolate, great. Personally, the best way I like it is with some protein powder mixed in and topped with a tsp of honey and a small handful of Honey Nut Clusters-bliss! If not, even mixed with the jelly below is enough to remind you of your younger days at kids’ parties. OR, top with Sweet Freedom (13calories per tsp)!
10 Cal Jelly (4 calories) Well, this was certainly my most frequent snack when I was on prep for competition. With only 4 calories in most flavours, sometimes I’d have 2! Best served chilled.
Jell-O (100 calories for the whole lot!) This I got from Protein Pickandmix.com but I was very deceived by it’s name. It’s not jelly at all but in fact has exactly the same taste and texture as the 90s Angel Delight! The chocolate is probably my favourite flavour. All you do is mix the powder with a little bit of almond milk and whisk for about 4 minutes. Top with fruit! It’s not high in protein at all so if you’re wanting to make it higher in protein either add some Greek yoghurt or even better whisk some protein powder in too.
Protein Hot Chocolate Bored of just protein shakes? Of an evening, indulging in this is going to make you believe you should feel guilty! Again, warm up a mug of almond or oat milk in the microwave for 2 minutes. Add 2-4 tsps of Sweet Freedom (there are many flavours but the Chocolate Fudge one is decent) and add some protein powder (or just sweetener if you don’t need any more protein) and put in the nutribullet. If you’re feeling really naughty add a couple of marshmallows or a bit of low calorie spray cream.
Covered Rice Cakes (84 calories each) I love the milk chocolate covered ones the best, shortly followed by the yoghurt flavoured ones. I absolutely adore these and to be honest, they are pretty addictive! In Sainsbury’s they have snack packs (never enough for me personally).
Smores Protein Oats THE BEST OATS I have ever made hands down. So, you make a normal hot bowl of oats and whey. As toppings, Marshmallow Fluff combined with ChocoBee is THE ONE. Genuinely tastes like Smores. I usually add 30g of the Fluff which is a generous portion (100calories and just 25g of carbs, no fats) and 20g of the Rowse Chocobee (just 64 calories). It’s a good replacement for Nutella if you love chocolate like me. Mix it round and watch it swirl.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this, but genuinely, if I do snack, these are the tastiest options.
Please do let me know if you try any of these, I’d be very interested in your feedback!
Bon Appetit!
Comments