If you’re like most people, the temptation to snack all day is high. Mid-morning break, afternoon lull, and late night munchies are all fantastic excuses to break out something craveable. Inevitably, we’re hungry and reach for the nearest bag of chips or handful of cereal, leaving us less hungry but still unsatisfied. If you’re tired of this same old routine, we’ve got some great tips to up your snack game.
Sweet & Salty:
There’s a reason caramel corn and chocolate covered pretzels are so much better than their plain counterparts – sugar and salt make the perfect pairing. Next time you’re packing lunch, in lieu of grabbing just a bagful of salted nuts, mix in some dried fruit or yogurt chips. Or make your own snack mix by combining your favorite breakfast cereal and pretzel variety. Coming up with your own mix of salty and sweet is not only fun, but will guarantee satisfaction come snack time.
Crunch Crunch Crunch:
What do a great apple and a bag of chips have in common? Both should have a nice crunch. Textures play heavily into our enjoyment of food, and the same goes for snacks. Pair slices of cheese with crackers or almonds and nut butter with toast or rice cakes for more exciting everyday munchies.
Protein Add-On:
Fruits and vegetables are fine, if lackluster, snacks on their own. Make them go the extra mile (and stave off your hunger for an extra hour) by adding something protein-rich to the mix. Pair apples with peanut butter, carrots with hummus, and bananas with greek yogurt for a much more filling snack experience.
DIY:
You don’t have to be crafty or a great cook to make your own snacks that rival or even trump store-bought. Start with granola, probably the easiest homemade snack – a simple combination of oats, oil, sweetener, and mix-ins, a large batch can be whipped up in an afternoon and last you weeks. Since you’re making it for yourself, feel free to make it as decadent (or guiltless) as you’d like – mix in chocolate chips, no one’s looking! The beauty of homemade is that you get to suit your tastes, so play around with recipes until you find your favorite combinations.