When I started working for myself it also meant working from home full time. I was used to working from home here and there in my last job but I’ll admit that full-time apartment dwelling and working meant my eating habits became completely different. I was reveling in being able to take advantage of going to Trader Joe’s at off hours and buying foods of convenience to account for my long days. But…while I was working out more than ever, I was also relying heavily on easy lunches of frozen burritos, late dinners of quesadillas and afternoon snacks of ice cream – AHHH. It got bad in the past few months.
So when OLLY reached out (they make my favorite vitamins!) about testing out their new smoothie mixes, I was game to give them a go as a jumpstart to resetting my eating habits. Back in the Spring I had been so good about healthy habits and was reaping the benefits. My skin was clearer, I had lost some stubborn lbs and sleeping better. It was high time I got back to that!
The smoothie line has lots of flavors (I’ve been using the Creamy Strawberry and Peachy Mango) and they even make two kid versions that you can feed your little ones! I was drawn to the Strawberry because it has probiotics and I try to get probiotics in every week. With their arrival, I started making a valiant effort to get my afternoon snacking in order. I began mixing up basil berry smoothies and a pineapple mango smoothie with coconut milk.
The smoothies come with a scoop built right into the lid so you A) don’t lose it and B) can easily make your smoothie with the right-size scoop every time. They also feature a TON of (plant-based) protein meaning one will keep you full until dinner time. I’ve also been blending them up after morning workouts instead of the more sugar-based yogurts I was used to having. They are vegan, gluten-free and full of vitamins and nutrients. I get more energy than my old snacking habits and like the variety the mixes allow when it comes to ingredients. (I’ve even made a smoothie bowl and also like to top some of the concoctions with granola as well.)
Other favorite afternoon snacks?
- Bananas with peanut butter
- Rice cakes with almond butter
- White Cheddar Corn Puffs from Trader Joe’s
- Carrots with hummus (have you tried sriracha hummus?! #sogood)
- Apples (’tis the season!)
With the healthier snacking also comes my resolution to once again commit to decreasing the weekly glasses of wine being had for no reason (let there be an occasion from here on out!) and ruling out sweets Monday-Friday. The latter has been so hard for me (my sweet tooth always gets the best of me) but I believe it’s the reason I’m no longer seeing as good of results with my workouts so it’s time to buckle down.
Do you guys have any healthy eating habits you swear by? I would love to hear them! Or any snacks you’d recommend? I am all ears (and help me stay honest, please!)
Shop the Post:
Tee // Leggings (they are reversible and pretty much the greatest thing ever. SO unbelievably soft! Reverse them after a workout and be on your way)
Thanks to OLLY for partnering on this post. OLLY is running a fun giveaway to kickoff a season of healthier eating. Just sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Instagram and you’ll be entered to win smoothies or even a $500 gift card to Target (you’ll also get a coupon for just entering).
I was SO good about having a smoothie for lunch every day a little while back and then totally fell off the bandwagon – need to get back on that. It’s such a good snack and definitely keeps you full for a few hours. I’m the worst about healthy eating so I don’t have advice to offer but will be checking the comments from your healthier readers 🙂
I should definitely look at trying my hand at some heartier, green smoothies so I can try them for lunch – great idea!
I love to snack on cottage cheese with crushed almonds or walnuts and a drizzle of agave or a roasted sweet potato with some coconut oil as a snack. ORRRR a very filling snack I have sometimes are my overnight oats. I have it around 10am and it holds me over for hours. organic oats, unsweetened almond milk, a pinch of stevia and tablespoon of cocoa powder. mix it well and refrigerate overnight. it looks like mushy mud in the morning, but conquers my chocolate craving!
I actually never have been able to like cottage cheese – WAHHHH. So sad as I know it’s a great snack. That being said I LOVE the idea of pairing sweet potato with coconut oil! Thank you for these ideas, Melina!!
I like to blanch or bake my favorite veggies like asparagus, brussel sprouts or artichoke hearts sprinkled with sea salt, pepper and evoo. After making, I drop them in a container and store in the fridge. When I get hungry, they are good for snacking, and oh so delicious. Let me know if you try it and like it.
I’m SO bad at prepping veggies but this sounds easy enough! Will definitely try – thanks for the reco, DV!!