Snack Today: 3 Energizing Snacks to Keep You Going All Day

Here are three health food snacks to start summer off right and keep you energized all day!

Whether you’re hanging poolside, feeding little ones, or keeping pace with a busy career, healthy food snacks are a universal essential during hot days, and can even serve as a light meal.

Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella

It’s a summertime classic that makes the perfect antipasto for an elegant meal, or a health food snack for the lunchbox. Layer slices of thick-cut buffalo mozzarella with medallions of organic tomato and basil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper and olive oil. For on-the-go lifestyles, an airtight glass or stainless steel container is the way to go.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁s:

• Mozzarella - healthy fats for brain power.
• Tomato - lycopene for heart health.
• Basil - antimicrobials for immune support.
• Salt - emulsification and mineralization.

Avocado & Hummus Wrap

A fan favorite from my book, The Wildatarian Diet, this wrap is ideal for travel and makes a great post-workout recovery meal. Start with a whole-grain or brown rice wrap, then spread with organic hummus, layer with slices of organic tomato and slivers of fresh avocado. For spice lovers, a dab of Dijon mustard won’t go amiss!

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀:

• Wrap - carbs for easy energy support.
• Hummus - fiber from chickpeas may support digestive health.
• Tomato - lycopene and other compounds have been studied for their role in digestive health.
• Avocado - omega-3s support skin, hair, gut and hormonal balance, plus act as a slow-burning energy source.

What makes this sandwich such a great option after a workout? The whole grain tortilla provides carbohydrates for refueling, and the hummus and avocado bring along protein and fat. Research suggests that consuming carbs with protein after exercise may promote recovery and enhance performance in subsequent workouts.

Summer Squash & Sausage Bites

Chop 1-inch slices of summer squash (I love paddy pan) and simmer in a shallow pan for 2-3 minutes, or until they are on the cusp of tenderness. Remove and drain, add salt and pepper to taste. In the same pan, heat a quarter-sized amount of olive or coconut oil. Chop 1-2 wild game sausages (wild boar, elk or duck is great!) and sauté on each side about 3 minutes each, until browned and cooked through. Allow to cool. Using a toothpick, spear 1 cube of squash with 1 slice of sausage.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀:

• Squash - full of insoluble fiber, excellent for supporting hormonal balance and gut health.
• Wild game sausage - perfect combo of complete protein and healthy fats.

Making These Snacks Part of Your Day

The bottom line is that the best snack is whatever you have ready to eat. Here’s how I make sure I always have healthy snacks on hand: - Divide up the tomato, basil, and mozzarella into glass containers on Sunday. - Tightly roll the avocado hummus wrap for a fast lunch or post-workout snack. - Keep the squash and sausage bites in the fridge for an easy savory snack. One at work, one in your gym bag, one at home. Keep yourself fueled and avoid the afternoon energy dip. At Village Green Apothecary, we can help you build an eating routine tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Good Snacks Keep You Going?

A decent snack does one thing. It keeps you from running out of fuel between meals. That’s why it’s important to combine protein with fat and fiber when you’re choosing a snack. It will keep you fueled longer. Research on snacking suggests the right between-meal bites may contribute to better satiety and more balanced eating overall. That’s why these three snacks below are made for that purpose.

What are the health benefits of eating tomato basil mozzarella snacks?

This summertime classic brings together a few supportive ingredients. Mozzarella offers healthy fats for brain power, while tomato provides lycopene for heart health. Basil contributes antimicrobials for immune support, and salt helps with emulsification and mineralization. Layer thick-cut buffalo mozzarella with medallions of organic tomato and basil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and olive oil for an elegant antipasto or an easy lunchbox snack.

How should healthy snacks combine protein fat and fiber?

A good snack keeps you from running out of fuel between meals, so it helps to combine protein with fat and fiber when choosing one. That pairing keeps you fueled longer. Research on snacking suggests the right between-meal bites may contribute to better satiety and more balanced eating overall. At Village Green Apothecary, we can help you build an eating routine tailored to your needs.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.