The age old debate - to snack or not to snack…..

And, how many meals a day should one have?

Through the decades, we’ve heard lots of conflicting information from “experts” on time delay between eating.

Is it 6 small meals each day? 3, with 2 snacks?

Or, just 3 meals? Ultimately, you must figure out for yourself what best works for YOU. We are all individual and it is not a “one size fits all” for everyone.

If you follow Hack #1 - 2 Powerful Questions - you’ll always know and be in charge of your food intake, including snacks.

If you choose to snack, be mindful. Opt for healthy, non processed, low glycemic options. Here are 2 “Simple Snack Hacks”

Apple, Almond Butter, Chia Seeds

1 Apple (ideally organic)

1-2 Tbs. Nut Butter, (Ideally Almond or Walnut, but Peanut is fine)

1-2 Tbs. Chia Seeds.

Slice the apple, dip into the nut butter and then roll in china seeds. This snack provides a healthy carb, healthy fat, and fiber, protein and a solid, healthy energy boost. This sure beats that energy drain that can follow a bag of chips or cookies.

Here's the nutritional "skinny" on Chia Seeds:

A one-ounce (2 Tbs) serving of chia seeds contains:

Fiber: 11 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 9 grams  (Omega-3s: 5 grams)
Calcium: 18% of the RDI.
Manganese: 30% of the RDI.
Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI.
You'll also benefit from a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.

Let's hear it for Chia Seeds for Healthy Snacking.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

1 3/4 cups cooked or canned (15 oz) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp favorite spice blend (chili lime, paprika and cumin, cajun, etc)

Place chickpeas in a salad spinner and spin to dry, or pat between two clean dishtowels. Air dry for at least 30 minutes after.

Preheat oven to 300F. Place a large baking sheet in oven was it preheats.

Place peas in bowl and toss with 1 tsp of the olive oil, salt and seasonings.

Place on baking sheet and cook one hour, until they are begin to darken and the edges start turning crispy.

Leave in oven, turn off heat and allow to remain in oven another 2 hours WITHOUT OPENING THE DOOR (don’t do it!!!)

 Remove, allow to finish cooling, then drizzle remaining olive oil and add additional seasoning to taste, if desired. 

Serve immediately or store in refrigerator. 

Do you have a favorite snack recipe to share? Send it to me here!

Are you ready to live your best life?