Ah, snacks. You might have read my thoughts on them here, about how I don’t think they’re a great thing to have on the daily for the average jane. But, I believe that with the busyness of new mamahood, snacks are a very real, and often very necessary, part of our days… especially if you’re breastfeeding since that can make you huuungry. And if you are breastfeeding, snacks can be even more important as you’re giving your nutrients to your babe on the daily (and sometimes on the hourly, am I right?). So you must replenish your stores.
As important as snacks are for us mamas, it’s even more important to make sure we’re getting the right ones. And what exactly does that include? Well, grab a tea, sit back, and let’s have a chat.
What Snacks Should Include
Protein – This is a main building block of our body, and one that helps build our muscles and keep us strong and energized. Protein is also very important for maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and it keeps us feeling more satisfied for a longer period of time.
Fat – This is such an underemphasized yet hugely essential component of a healthy body. Like protein, fat also helps steady our blood sugar and keeps us fuller longer. It also exists in virtually every cell in our body… and we have trillions of those. Trillions. Fat is an important part of keeping our cells fluid and elastic yet also strong and vital. Our brain needs fat to function… as does our body as a whole. And, *nudge, nudge*, eating a sufficient amount of it helps prevent cravings. Say whaaat?!
Extra: Fibre – While protein and fat are most important for snacks to include, fibre is a nice bonus (your meals should definitely include it). Fibre helps keep our digestion running smoothly, allows toxins to be removed from the body, and keeps you pooping on the regular. (A pretty important thing, no?)
Snacks To Have On Hand
- Boiled eggs – Keep a few in the fridge so they’re ready to go when you need one. These are great as part of a meal, too. Fat, protein, minerals, vitamins… eggs have it all!
- Cheese – Oh cheese, how I love thee. And what a great snack it makes, full of protein and good fats… yum. Have a few slices on their own or with some gluten-free crackers (I love Mary’s Crackers). My fav type of cheese is raw cheddar or gouda… you’ll either see it labeled as raw or unpasteurized milk on the ingredients list. In Canada, cheese must be aged for a minimum of 60 days in order for it to be allowed to be sold… and during this aging process, fermentation is happening, which means the growth of lots of good bacteria that’s good for our gut. And, because the milk hasn’t been pasteurized, it retains its amazing nutrients and tends to be easier to digest. Plus, during the fermentation process, the lactose converts to lactic acid, which is beneficial for gut health, and it means that those sensitive to lactose may just be able to tolerate raw cheese. And did I mention it’s delicious?!
- Nuts and seeds – I’m talking almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds… the list goes on. For a twist, toast some pumpkin seeds on the stove with the heat just under medium for a few minutes (stir often), then add a drop of olive oil and lots of sea salt and mix. Instant deliciousness!
- Trail mix – Take the above nuts and seeds, mix ‘em together, then add either raisins or dark chocolate chips. Bam… homemade trail mix! Sometimes you want plain nuts, but come on, usually the combination wins. Especially when you add those toasted pumpkin seeds… that mixed with the sweetness of the raisins or chocolate chips… I mean, come on!
- Yogurt – Make sure it’s the full-fat, plain stuff. Snazz it up by adding stevia or maple syrup and/or fruit. You could also add some homemade granola, which just happens to be our next snack item!
- Granola – An example of a super easy recipe is here. Enjoy on its own or with yogurt, as mentioned above.
- Hummus or bean dip and chopped veggies – Try your best to always have washed and chopped veggies at the ready. This way, you are SO much more likely to eat them! Sounds so simple, and yet it’s so very true. Be honest… how many times have you thrown out a cucumber or half a red pepper because it went bad in the fridge? Well, no longer, my friend! If you have them ready to go in the fridge, you’re removing a huge barrier to eating them (and yes, washing and chopping in the moment when you’re hungry IS a huge barrier). Adding hummus or bean dip is a great way to add a bit of protein, and of course, flava. You could also have celery with almond butter as a fun alternative. Add raisins and watch out, taste buds!
- Nut butter and apple slices – My favs are almond butter or natural peanut butter (as in, NOT the stuff with added sugar or vegetable oil). Now, you COULD just put a couple scoops into a bowl and eat it straight up (or straight from the jar… I mean, who are we kidding?!). But there’s just something about the sweetness and crispness of an apple mixed with the creamy nut butter. Yum. To uplevel the health factor and add even more good fats, add a scoop of coconut oil to the nut butter and stir together. Double yum.
- Bars – Try to avoid refined sugar and wheat, which many granola and protein bars contain. Two of my favourite bars – and ones that were often found on my nightstand during those nights of multiple Ellie feedings – are Larabars and Suze’s Good Fats Bars. I also love Vega and Genuine Health bars.
Well, I’m off to have a Larabar. Was your favourite snack mentioned? If not, write it below in the comments so we can get more ideas. Sharing is caring, y’all!