CLEAN EATING SUPPORT GROUP BROOKLYN: JUNE Roundup
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(Michelle and I getting ready to welcome attendees at last night's workshop!)
Every month, on the dot, we convene at the local Whole Foods Market Brooklyn for my live CLEAN EATING SUPPORT GROUP. We discuss clean eating, healthy cooking, challenges around healthy eating at-home and on-the-go, as well as share lots of tips and tricks for budgeting, socializing and staying well in general. There is sooo much goodness that comes out of this vibrant community, not to mention the rockstar support that we give each other and tips that are shared along the way. We could ALL benefit from a little nudge when it comes to our health and putting ourselves first. If you ask me, this is my favorite time of the month!
Every workshop is themed and last night was all about 'CLEAN SNACKS'! I hosted a delicious hommus tasting thanks to our generous sponsor (and one of my favorit health food brands Cedar's Mediterranean Foods -- BIG thannnnkk you to our awesome sponsor!). We also talked about how healthy snacks can supplement your diet, while mindlessly snacking can truly hinder it. I'm talking to YOU late night closet snacker, you think no one knows but I DO!
A lot of times when you start snacking there is usually an underlying cause. Boredom being a big culprit. To remedy this common cause for snacking, take note of the time of day when you are most likely to grab a snack. Is it 11am, 3pm, or 10pm? Noticing the time of the day is the first step in making a change. Now that you know when you're most likely to snack, try something different instead. Reach for that good ole H2O, dehydration can be disguised as hunger. Or, get up and walk around, head outside for some fresh air. We often go to snacks as an "activity" when we're bored.
Another hidden cause for a 'snack attack' is stress. If you notice yourself grabbing for a snack when you're stressed, PAUSE FIRST! Ask yourself "do I really want this snack or is this about something else?" Maybe you need to vent about something, instead of picking up the chips, pick up the phone and call a friend. We often think snacks with help comfort us but unless you're actually hungry, you're probably just looking to chat it out.
Of course all snacks are not created equally and thus all snacks are not bad. I'm a HUGE snacker but I keep a few things in mind when snack:
Plan Ahead. I try to eat lunch around the same time each day and know that by 4pm, I'll need some extra calories to prep for my 6pm workout. By planning ahead, and bringing a healthy snack with me, I'm less likely to make a hunger-induced, fuzzy-brained, game time decision.
Portion Control. I never let myself eat directly out of the bag that a snack came in, especially if it is not individually portioned out. This can lead to mindless eating and overeating. Two things that take your snacking power away.
Hydrate. If you're well hydrated, your less likely to confused thirst for hunger. Staying hydrated will help keep you full and burn through the fuel your body already has stored before overloading your system.
Quality over quantity. Reach for high quality ingredients, organic fruits, nut butters, smoothies and other simple yet delicious are a protein and fiber rich, are low glycemic (meaning they are slow burning and will help keep you fuller longer) and will fuel and nourish your body.
