Choosing Snacks with Total Lean

Everyone has a go-to snack, yet everyone reaches for something different.

There is the crunchy crowd that’s after chips, pretzels and popcorn. The sweet tooth satisfiers who look for cookies and cake. And a small subset of healthy hunters, who reach for a nice piece of fruit or a cup of yogurt.

While “well-balanced snack” doesn’t have a formal definition, we’ve put together our own criteria of what that could be. First, pick a snack that incorporates two different food groups, one of them being protein. From there, time and portion your snack so that it holds you over until your next meal.

Take a look at the suggestions below to help you choose a snack that provides a variety of nutrients and contributes to your overall eating plan.

If You’re Snacking At Home:

1. Veggie Snack Plate
   Make a well-rounded plate of 5 pita chips, ½ cup hummus, 1 cup cucumbers and ½ red or green pepper.
2. Pizza Bites
   Take a mini bagel and top it with sauce and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese. Toss it in the microwave or oven to warm up.
3. Greek Yogurt
   Grab a 4-6 oz Greek yogurt and top it with 1 tbsp nuts.
4. Overnight Oats
   Make your own Lean Shake overnight oats and enjoy 1/2 cup as a snack.
5. Meat Snack Plate
   Make a well-rounded plate of 2 oz rolled turkey breast, 1 oz sliced cheese, ½ cup grapes, ½ cup raw veggies (peppers, cherry tomatoes or cucumbers) and 5 olives.
6. Ricotta Toast
   Toast a slice of whole grain bread and top with ¼ cup ricotta cheese and 2 sliced strawberries.
7. Chicken Bruschetta
   On two slices of toasted French bread, place 2 oz diced grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, onion, ½ oz shaved parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil.
8. Half sandwich
   On whole wheat bread, make a turkey and cheese sandwich. Cut it in half to enjoy it as a snack on two separate days. Add some baby carrots on the side.
9. Sweet Potato Spinach Soup
   Make a pot of soup and then enjoy a cup as a snack.
10. Protein Shake
    Utilize one of the many Lean Shake varieties to enjoy as a snack or incorporate into a smoothie.

If You’re Snacking On The Go:

1. Jerky
   Enjoy 2 oz beef jerky and an orange.
2. Lean Bar
   Grab a box of Lean Bars and have them handy for snack time.
3. Lean Shake
   Pick up either a Lean Shake drink or powder container.
4. Cheese & Fruit
   Enjoy two string cheeses with an apple.
5. Greek Yogurt
   Grab a 4-6 oz Greek yogurt and top it with 1 tbsp nuts.
6. Muffin
   Make a batch of protein-packed flaxseed muffins and enjoy one as a snack.
7. Half Sandwich
   On whole wheat bread, make a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich. Cut it in half to enjoy it as a snack on two separate days. Add a banana on the side.
8. Cottage Cheese
   Take a ½ cup cottage cheese and toss in your favorite fruit.
9. Crackers & Cheese
   Enjoy 5-6 whole-grain crackers with 1 oz cheese.
10. Egg
    Make a pot of hard-boiled eggs, and when you need a snack, grab one egg and enjoy with a piece of fruit.