Healthy Snacks to Curb Afternoon Cravings

It’s 3pm, you’ve already eaten lunch and there’s just a few hours between you and dinner but your stomach is growling and you’re slowly reaching for that candy bar/bag of chips/soda/(insert guilty pleasure here).  Well readers, we’re here to be your proverbial slap on the wrist and to to tell you that there are healthier options to take you from lunchtime to dinnertime without consuming empty calories. Check out our 4 picks for healthy snacks that will help you beat your afternoon cravings!

Pure Fruit & Veggie Strips

I’ll admit – I have a serious sweet-tooth. Above, where it says to insert guilty pleasure here – well mine would read Sour Patch Kids, Gushers, and just about any other sugar-packed, chewy candy. So when my cravings for sweets start it’s hard to curb them with an apple. Insert Fruit & Veggies Strips from Pure (the makers of Pure Bar – our choice for best banana breakfast bar). Pure Fruit & Veggies Strips are a healthier version of Fruit Roll-ups – made with fruit and veggie purees and juices using organic, non-GMO fruit and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. I’m obsessed with the Wildberry Apple which is made with blueberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkin, and sweet potato. One bar is just 50 calories with 0 fat, 90mg of Potassium, and 2% Iron and it banishes all sugar cravings! 24 pack, $20.69; shop.thepurebar.com

Evolve Protein Shake

Women on-the-go take note: this drink is for you. Evolve was created by the makers of Muscle Milk for the everyday working woman who leads a healthy, active lifestyle. We all get midday cravings – its inevitable, especially when we’re going from meeting to meeting, cramming to meet deadlines, and skipping a balanced lunch. Evolve is the perfect go-to when you’re in a rush and can’t make time for a sit-down breakfast or lunch. The protein drink contains 110 calories, 12g of protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and a little magic ingredient called Tonalin, which is a natural ingredient found to reduce body fat!  The drink is sweetened with cane sugar, stevia, and monk fruit and is lactose and gluten free. Get yours at a grocery store near you.

Zico Chocolate

I love chocolate. Really, if you need to know anything about me it’s that I love chocolate and that I crave it, with no fail, every single afternoon. Thanks to Zico Chocolate I’ve graduated to a healthier chocolate option in the afternoon when the craving hits. Everyone knows the health benefits of coconut water, especially when you’re working out, but not everyone enjoys the taste – especially yours truly (I happen to think most coconut water tastes like, what I imagine, dish soap water would taste like). However, after my first sip of Zico Chocolate I was hooked. With half the calories and sugar of regular chocolate milk, I no longer feel guilty when my afternoon cocoa-craving hits. Pack of 12, $25.31;Purchase on Amazon.com.

Promax Fit ‘n Crisp

Rice Krispies Treats are yet another not-so-healthy snack I love but I can now satisfy that craving with a healthier option thanks to Promax Fit ‘n Crisp Bars. With 13g of protein and only 140 calories – these treats help take me from my 3pm slump to dinner without the loud, growling stomach I usually take along for the ride.  Promax Fit ‘n Crisp bars are peanut free, vegetarian, and contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors, high fructose corn syrup, maltitol, or gelatin. I love the Vanilla Marshmellow flavor! 12 pack, $15.99; shop.promaxnutrition.com

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