This month’s issue is dedicated to snacking! Whether you are looking for a sweet snack, salty snack, or just an easy snack, this month I am providing you with real food snack solutions. Preparing and eating foods that fuel you will empower you to succeed and is key to long term health and well-being.

A few simple things to remember when you are planning your snacks:

• The simpler the ingredients, the better.
• The simpler the transportation time from land to mouth, the better.
• The simpler the prep time, the better.
• The simpler the food, the better.

1. Raw veggies and hummus. A few of my favorite raw veggies to pair with hummus include: carrots, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and sugar snap peas.
2. Fresh fruits and nuts and seeds. Get creative by mixing things up! Try pistachios, almonds, cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds...just to name a few. Pair them with a variety of fruits such as berries, kiwis, oranges, grapefruit, apples, mangoes, grapes, bananas, peaches or pears...as you can see the list can go on!
3. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs served with raw veggies. Try mixing nonfat Greek yogurt with fresh rosemary and serve with your favorite raw veggies such as cherry tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.
4. Pecans and dried cranberries.
5. Fresh fruit smoothie made with frozen berries, low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, and flaxseeds.
6. Hard boiled egg with fresh fruit.
7. Cereal with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
8. Turkey breast topped with avocado and tomato slices.
9. Apple or celery with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
10. Chicken lettuce wraps with bibb lettuce, avocado, and roasted red pepper.
11. Whole grain bread with almond, peanut, or cashew butter and topped with fresh sliced strawberries.
12. Fresh guacamole with veggies and/or pita chips.
13. Cottage cheese mixed with fresh blueberries and sunflower seeds.
14. Dark Chocolate. The darker the chocolate the better. Aim for 70% or higher for the most antioxidant benefits. 
15. Melted chocolate and fresh fruit. If you want to serve up a fancy sweet treat, try melting some chocolate and then serving with fresh fruit such as strawberries, apples, bananas, and pineapple chunks.
16. Trail mix with Greek yogurt. Take about 1/8 - 1/4 cup trail mix - the type with nuts, dried fruit, and a little bit of chocolate and mix with your Greek yogurt....yummy!
17. Baked apple chips served with slivered almonds and topped with cinnamon.
18. Whole grain chips with black bean dip.

California Avocado Thai Coleslaw