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These days I’m torn between looking like a snack and eating one – and then there’s always the temptation to take a nap.. or two. I have always enjoyed my daily snacks, which I keep to about three per day. Now that pregnancy cravings are hitting full force, I’ve upped my snack game to about four per day. I aim to keep them as healthy and clean as possible for the little one, but sometimes cookies and french-fries sneak their way in there and ya know what? That is totally okay. Finding snacks that are healthy, fun, and filling can be a bit challenging so I wanted to share with you all my go-tos for when I feel like munching.

Disclaimer: I have no clue how many calories are in each because A) Calories will differ based on ingredient and brand substitutions and B) For my sanity, I do not make a habit out of counting calories.

Rice Cake Topped with Cottage Cheese and Fruit

I can just picture Chris’ look of disgust when I talk about this favorite snack of mine. He’s not a cottage cheese fan and if you aren’t either, try subbing it with some plain greek yogurt. I recommend any berry as a fruit topping (I personally love blueberries), finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon!

 

 

Carrots and Hummus

Okay, I get that this may not be everyone’s idea of a “fun” snack, but there are so many different kinds of hummus out there! Little Salad Bar’s roasted red pepper hummus from Aldi is a yummy choice. If this doesn’t fill you up, add a serving of pretzels to dip and enjoy with your carrots!

 

 

Avocado Toast with String Cheese

I love avocado. My friend, DeAnna, jokes that baby’s first word will be “Guac” – which I plan on promoting. Cut one of these bad boys in half and chop it into a thick spread on a piece of whole wheat toast and eat with a side of mozzarella string cheese. As an addition, you can top your toast with a few tomato slices and sprinkle with pepper. This snack is super filling and because of this, I will typically make it as a post breakfast or lunch snack.

 

 

Greek Yogurt with Granola

You want to be picky on your choice of yogurt and granola here since both can have a high sugar count. Elli Quark, Two Good, and Oikos Triple Zero are all low sugar yogurt brands if you’re looking for some more flavor than plain greek yogurt. For granola, I recommend Purely Elizabeth or Kind. This is a great on-the-go option since all you have to do is sprinkle and eat!

 

 

Apple with Almond Butter

This is such a sweet and simple snack that I had to add it to this list. It is one I enjoy often, since you can buy a back of apples and a tub of almond butter to last you for a couple of weeks! The almond butter can be substituted for any nut butter, just check that ingredient list to make sure it isn’t full of who-knows-what and that there is minimal to no added sugar. I prefer the taste of almond butter and recommend MaraNatha or Justin’s Classic as yummy options. To make this snack extra fun, sprinkle some dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes on top of your nut butter!

 

 

Yogurt Based Smoothie

I am a huge fan of smoothies and shakes. The possibilities are practically endless and they can be as refreshing or filling as you want them to be! I specifically say yogurt based smoothie as a snack because my protein shakes turn out pretty filling so I typically will have them for breakfast.

 

 

Your snacks don’t have to be boring! These snacks are really pretty basic, but when you think outside the box and get a little creative (usually with the help of Pinterest) magic happens. My last piece of advice for the day – Never be afraid of trying new things. Cliche, yes, but also true. How else will you culture those taste buds?!

 

Interested in trying my favorite avocado pineapple smoothie? Click here to download the recipe and enjoy!