Healthy snacking is a must for all *f.a.t. women. I don’t care if you are a mom or a single *f.a.t.ty; I have been both. I know how busy life is and how important healthy snacking is to maintain a healthy weight and to stay Fit After Thirty! We all remember the days in our twenties when we could grab any kind of junk food on the go, with no real consequences. Well, guess what? After about 30, our metabolism starts to slow down and decreasing hormones can more easily result in energy slumps. We have to be more mindful of what we are putting into our mouths both at mealtime, and snack time.

Three meals a day with two snacks keeps blood sugar levels on an even keel and keeps you from ever being in a desperately hungry state. (See our Fit After Thirty’s Top 10 Post Pregnancy Weight Loss Suggestions) The key to success is to always have snacks readily available. Snacks should be healthy, satisfying and convenient. And they should be within easy reach. So, pack your shelves, cars, purses, bras - or wherever else you can get to easily when hunger strikes - with healthy eating solutions. I know for me it’s all about convenience. It needs to be easy, nutritious and available at a tummy growl’s notice.

My Top 5 Pics:

1. Bear Naked all natural granola – I like the fruit and nut blend. Homemade granola made from real whole grains and “bearly” (or minimally) processed ingredients.

2. Kashi TLC 7 grain crackers – Just add some peanut butter or hummus and you are set. Kashi’s products are natural, minimally processed, and free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives and preservatives.

3. Snacktrition Smoked almonds – They have added calcium so you get more bang for your calories, so to speak. Each item of Snacktrition is unique in the nutrients that it delivers. Depending on the item, you will find three grams of dietary fiber or more than 100 milligrams of calcium, which translates to approximately 12 percent of the recommended daily fiber needs and approximately 10 percent of recommended daily calcium needs.

4. Luna Bar - I like the Lemon Zest. Luna’s ingredients come from natural sources, meaning they do not have added colors, flavorings, or preservatives, and are processed less than other products.

5. Grab an apple - they are readily available and convenient. They are full of fiber which slows the sugar’s absorption and maintains blood sugar at steady levels. They are also filled with the mineral boron, which is great for bone growth. This is why they are perfect for women and kids.

For your chance to win Kashi snack bags filled with convenient, healthy snacks, please use the Submit a Story button and send us a personal inspirational health or weight loss success story, along with a photo. If chosen we will showcase you on our site and send you Kashi goodies!