Adopting a healthier lifestyle can be tough – it means breaking old habits, embracing new foods and often times getting better acquainted with the kitchen.
When it comes to healthy eating, it seems that failing to plan really is planning to fail. Having some go-to recipes is incredibly important. Eating the exact same foods every day is likely to leave you feeling bored and deprived. We need variety! 
Find some simple and healthy recipes that taste great, are satisfying and will help to prevent you from binging on all the wrong foods that lead to blood sugar spikes and leave you wanting more.
The best snacks contain healthy fats, fiber and/or protein that aid in digestion, stabilize blood sugar and are satiating enough to prevent overeating. Some of our go-to snacks include:
SWEET POTATO TOAST
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber and are also rich in Vitamin C, B6 and beta carotene (the precursor for vitamin A.) What makes sweet potatoes especially unique though is that studies have found they actually help to balance blood sugar. Even diabetics can eat sweet potatoes! 
Simply cut a sweet potato into thin slices (carefully!) Pop one into your toaster and repeat two or three times until it’s cooked to your liking. You can also use a convection oven or your standard oven and bake the slices in the oven. Given the size of sweet potatoes varies, I tend to stock up when I find them in larger sizes. I cut them all up into slices and layer each slice between wax or parchment paper. Store them in the freezer in a glass container and they’re ready to go whenever you need a quick snack, breakfast etc. I love the versatility of this snack and finding new ways to top them. Two of our favourites are:
- Sweet – top the toast with cashew butter, banana, cinnamon and hemp seeds.
- Savoury – top the toast with tahini, avocado, tomato, lime, black pepper, hemp seeds, green onions and sea salt. (Add a bit of spicy kimchi for an added kick and to give your gut some love.)
FLAX PUDDING
I love flax or chia puddings because they are so incredibly versatile – there’s so many different ways to flavour/ top them off. They’re also super convenient to make up and store in mason jars for a quick snack on the run. You can use either flax or chia depending on what you have on-hand (I often alternate between the two.) You can also choose to leave the seeds whole or grind them up for a smoother consistency. Once making a base, there are so many different ways to flavour them according to your preferences. Two variations I’m currently loving:
APPLE-GOGI FLAX PUDDING
- Cut 2 green apples into chunks
- Spread out in a baking dish with 2 tbsp of coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg to-taste
- Bake at 350 for 10 minutes
- Remove from oven and let cool
In a blender combine:
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of ground flax (or chia)
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (if you don’t handle coconut milk well, use another dairy free milk.)
- 1/2 cup water
- Blend until smooth
- Pulse in baked apples
- Pour into large bowl and stir in gogi berries
- Split into individual portions in mason jars etc.
- Prior to eating, top with raisins, pecans and additional cinnamon if desired
BEET AND BERRY FLAX PUDDING
In a blender combine:
- 1/2 cup of ground flax (or chia)
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (if you don’t handle coconut milk well, use another dairy free milk.)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 a banana
- 3 tbsp beet crystals
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional – maple syrup to taste if you like it on the sweeter side (I leave it out.)
- Blend until smooth
- Pour into individual servings
- Stir in fresh strawberries or other berries prior to eating
- Top with pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, coconut flakes or other desired toppings
DIPS & SPREADS
I always cringe slightly when seeing someone sit down to a beautiful serving of fresh veggies paired with an overly processed dip, loaded with additives. There are so many healthy alternatives available today and making your own baba ganoush, hummus or guacamole is so easy. Below is my simple guac recipe, you simply can’t beat the flavour of fresh avocado, lime and garlic…my mouth begins to water just thinking about it!
GUACAMOLE
Combine in a bowl: 
- 2 mashed avocados
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp chives
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2-3 cloves garlic (depending on how much garlic you like!)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/3 cup chopped tomatoes
- Pepper to taste
SIP INSTEAD OF SNACK
Often times people believe they are hungry when they are in fact dehydrated. When the urge to snack hits, first drink a glass of water and wait 10-15 minutes to see if your hunger subsides. This can be particularly effective at night time when you feel the urge to mindlessly snack.
Sipping on an herbal tea with a tablespoon of coconut oil mixed in can also be a great wait to stave off hunger. The coconut oil provides healthy fats that make you feel satiated and the medium chain triglyercides are used immediately by the liver for energy. One of my favourite night time drinks is something called ‘Golden Milk’ that’s loaded with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory spices such as ginger and turmeric. This recipe is reminiscent of a dairy-free latte – it’s creamy, slightly sweet and incredibly satisfying. The fat from the coconut milk and the black pepper also help to increase the absorption/bio-availability of the turmeric.
GOLDEN MILK
In a pot, whisk together: 
- 2 cups of full fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons dried turmeric
- 1 tsp dried or fresh ginger
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 tsp of honey (adjust to suit your preferences.)
- Once thoroughly combined, gently heat on medium until desired temperature.