Slimming Snacks That Boost Energy Naturally
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Dozing off at your desk? It’s time to beat that fatigue with the right kinds of food. Put down that energy drink and steer clear of gourmet coffee drinks that are pumped with excessive amounts of sugar. Yes, even if you’re dead tired, what you decide to eat can make you more tired and might even be the reason your pants won’t fit. We put so much emphasis on caffeinated drinks, but those just spike up energy before slowing you down, leaving you even more tired than you were before. Anytime there is a rapid rise in blood sugar levels you can expect a fall (hypoglycemia), so the secret is to keep your blood sugar levels balanced.
Low blood sugar can cause fatigue, anxiety, depression, and intense cravings for sugar. It’s a vicious cycle. Balancing blood sugar levels also makes losing weight easier and faster, and promotes fat burning. Keeping energy is up doesn’t just make you feel better, it's also good for your weight loss.
When we have energy, we move more; it's that simple. And when we are moving, we aren’t eating, so the benefits are multiplied. And it doesn’t end there—when we feel better, we tend to eat better and crave the wrong kinds of carbs a lot less.
Most of you know by now that eating the wrong kinds of foods like processed, refined carbs like sugar and white flour (Think: if it's white it ain't right) in foods such as bread, crackers, and cookies, cakes, and soda are harmful. But what you might not know is the sugar lurking in foods you think are good for you can be just as harmful.
Be on sugar alert when you buy any food that has a label. Protein bars and shakes often mask sugar in their label and contain dairy (lactose, sugar), yet fail to comply with FDA standards by not listing the amount of sugar grams found in them.
And fruit ... while it may be healthy and nutritious, too much of a good thing can be too much! Sugar is sugar to your cells and can still spike blood sugar levels unless you pair it properly with a lean protein (cheese does not make that list). There is a simple (slimming) strategy behind the foods you choose. For example, fruits, when consumed with protein, can help prolong high energy and kill cravings for sweets versus ramping them up.
We all need to watch our sugar intake these days, and not just with sweets and pastries. Be on alert, in even the most unsuspecting places, and don't drink your calories. Chew them, so they are less likely to spike blood sugar levels.
Remember these simple (slimming) strategies when you’re grabbing a snack:
- Always reach for protein first. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels which can prevent cravings and boost mood.
- Combine protein with a good fat when possible for the ultimate balancing act. This dynamic duo will keep you feeling full and energized for hours.
- If you struggle with blood sugar issues, pair fruit with protein and a little more fiber if you can to help blunt blood sugar spikes that can leave you feeling irritable and hungry.
Here are four healthy, easy-to-prepare, delicious snacks that can boost mood, make you feel more alert, ward off muscle fatigue, and give you the get-up-and-go you need to power through the rest of your day. And the best news is they only contain three ingredients, require no cooking, and are the perfect combination of nutrition, protein, and good fats and fiber!
LEANER, CLEANER, HIGH-PROTEIN PEANUT BUTTER BLISS BALLS (the new and improved cleaner, leaner recipe)
Combine the following:
- (1 cup) Peanut Butter (Natural, no sugar added, is preferred)
- (1 cup) LynFit Vanilla Complete Whey Protein Powder
- (¼ cup) Honey
Mix together until well blended and roll into one-inch balls. Freeze. Eat!
PEACHES & CREAM
- Slice a small peach (keep in mind that a serving of fruit is ½ cup)
- Place in a dessert-style glass bowl
- Pour pre-made LynFit Vanilla Complete Whey Protein Shake over it (pre-made is ½ cup of water, mixed with 2 cups of protein powder, shaken)
- Top with a little Fiber One® cereal to bump up the fiber without bumping up the calories
- For a warm treat, microwave for 30 seconds
APPLE PIE IN A GLASS
Combine the following ingredients in a blender or food processor:
- (½ cup) Water
- (2 scoops) LynFit Vanilla Complete Whey Protein Powder
- (1 small) Apple - chopped into smaller pieces for easier blending (Tart green is delicious and contains less sugar)
- (5) Ice cubes
Blend until the desired consistency is reached.
MASON JAR GRAB-N-GO RAINBOW VEGETABLES
Place assorted vegetables in a mason jar with low or fat-free honey mustard (or favorite dip) on the bottom for a fast, easy, and super nutritious snack on-the-go. Good for moms too!