Better Snacking: An Easy Formula

I'm a big snacker.  I eat every three - four hours from 7 am to 7 pm.  (Keep in mind nutrition is highly personal, what works for me might not work for you.)  I have low blood sugar so eating small meals and snacks throughout the day is what my body seems to need. It keeps hanger at bay, I'm quick to getting hangry (anger due to hunger) if my blood sugar dips too low.  

However, it can be easy to eat too much if all of my meals and snacks are big.  Also, if I eat all refined carbs (think a handful or pretzels or a couple of sugar cookies), it will lead to a blood sugar crash soon after and then wanting more food.  Plus, I would like each time I eat to provide good fuel for my body.  Refined carbohydrates don't add much value. I like to eat real food as much as possible and stay away from processed prepackaged snacks.
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The key to not overdoing it to is keep snacks at or below 200 calories.  Also important, make sure your snack contains a mix of fiber, fat and protein.    This will help you be satisfied but not eat too much.  An easy snack formula: a produce and a protein.

Some examples:  

• a pear and a cheese stick
• an orange or an apple and 10 almonds
• 1 cup sliced cucumber or 1 cup carrot sticks and 4 tablespoons hummus
• 1 cup blackberries and 10 pistachios
• an apple or small banana and 1 tablespoon almond butter

These ideas would all be easy prepare ahead by seperating in containers for the week so you will be ready for snack time with healthier choices.