Smart snacking can be good for you and help you manage your weight – IF you’re making the right choices.

Knowing what foods and drinks to choose (and why) allows you to plan and be organised – so you’re not tempted to making unhealthy choices that you’ll regret later. Here are some my all-time favourites.

1.Yogurt & Berries

Plain, unsweetened cultured yogurts offer a good source of protein and are very satisfying. Choose a brand that does not contain added sugar and aim for organic. Compared to other fruits, berries are lower in natural sugars and won’t have a drastic impact on your blood sugar levels. Berries are also a great source of antioxidants that help the body recover from stress and exercise. Perfect after a workout!

2. Green Smoothie

The great thing about green smoothies is that there are so many different ingredients and combinations you can use. Aim for a good green base – spinach is easiest to use as it has a delicate, mild flavour. Herbs provide an additional green boost – parsley and coriander both work well.  Banana makes the smoothie creamy and adds sweetness. Apples and pears are also great. Lemon works well to cut the grassy greens. Your base can be filtered water, coconut water or any non-dairy milk – unsweetened almond milk is my favourite. Superpower your smoothie with your choice of flaxseeds, hemp protein powder, maca powder and chia seeds. Chlorella or spirulina for an extra immune boost!

3. Almond Butter on Celery

Not only sweet and luscious, it’s high in nutrients such as vitamin E and other protective antioxidants. There is a common misconception about nuts and weight gain. Since nuts, such as almonds, are high in calories, many people who are watching their weight tend to avoid them. However, almonds are high in protein, fibre, and monounsaturated fats – all of which help keep you feeling fuller longer. Studies show that people who eat nuts are less likely to become overweight than those who avoid them. Almond butter is great with fresh celery sticks!

4. Crudités and hummus 

Fresh, raw vegetables provide loads of nutrients and vitamins, plus complex carbs and fibre to help fill you up. Hummus adds some protein and healthy fats to increase staying power and its creamy texture blends well with the cool crunch of raw vegetables. For a sweeter alternative, try hummus with raw apple slices. Hummus is such a nutritious and practical snack it’s a good idea to always keep some handy in the fridge. Enjoy with wholegrain crackers too.

Quick & Easy Hummus

2 cups chickpeas – rinsed well (usually about 1 large jar)

2 tbs tahini

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

juice of 2 lemons

1/3 tsp cumin ground powder

2 cloves of garlic

½ tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt

Put all the ingredients into the blender and slowly pulverise until a smooth consistency is reached.  You might need stop a few times and scrape down the sides and stir the mixture, add some water if it’s too thick.

Enjoy with gluten free quinoa crackers or raw chopped vegetables.  Refrigerate in an air tight container and it will store for up to one week.

Try adding some roasted red peppers and shallots or a handful of coriander, parsley or fresh chilli for a variation.

5. Hummus Burrito

Choose a nice large romaine lettuce leaf. Sometimes you can find bags of individual leaves in the salad section.  Fill it with hummus. Top with chopped tomato and onion and tomato. This is a wonderfully satisfying snack that will keep you feeling light. Make several and share with friends!