healthy snack options.

While its fairly easy to find a healthy recipe for meals, healthy snacks can be a challenge, especially since when one has a snack attack, we tend to reach for the quickest thing. Here are some things to remember when having a snack craving.

When you crave a snack, stop dead in your tracks. Have a glass of water. We often mistake hunger for thirst. After a few minutes if you find yourself hungry, take the time out to prepare a snack.

Sweets. Sometimes, when we crave sugar, it means we need some protein. My new favorite semi-sweet, protein filled snack is adapted from "Real Housewife" Bethenny Frankel's book Naturally Thin.

1/2 cup of Whipped Cottage Cheese (Friendship Brand makes this)
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of honey
a sprinkle of sliced almonds

Add all ingredients together, mix and enjoy!

If you're not really craving a sweet, there are plenty of satisfying snack options as well. Here are some of my favorites:

• Celery Sticks with 2 tablespoons of ALL natural, crunchy peanut butter (I like the kind with flax seeds stirred in for a little Omega 3s kick)
• Baby Carrots with 2 tablespoons of White Bean Hummus (this variety is a little milder than the classic chickpea based hummus)
• a few Whole Grain crackers with 2 oz. of Extra Sharp ALL natural white cheddar cheese (the sharp taste of the cheese satisfies a salt craving)
• Apple Slices with a tablespoon of Honey and a handful of Raw Almonds (the almonds prevent you from getting a blood sugar spike since they're a protein source)
  
• Sliced Cucumber and Bell Pepper with Ginger-Miso dressing/dip

There's a theme with my favorite snacks. By paying attention and preparing a snack, you help your mind to be satisfied by remembering that you ate. By grabbing a granola bar and eating it on the go, you will not remember eating and you will therefore remain hungry. Also, take the time out to eat your snack without the distraction of the TV or even a book. Concentrate on every bite you take. I know this seems very "Zen" but by concentrating on eating your food you will eat less.

Keep your snack items as natural as possible as they will satisfy you longer as well. I realize these snack ideas are a huge change from a few Oreos and half a bag of Doritos, but your body will thank you, and you'll eat less throughout the day. All of the above snack items can be found in Trader Joe's or a Whole Foods and most other Natural Food stores.

For more snack ideas and healthy eating tips I highly recommend Bethenny's book. Especially if you are as obsessed with Bravo's Real Housewifes as I am (a not-so-guilty pleasure).

Happy Snacking!!