Recipes

Inevitably, everyday around three, my stomach begins to rumble, my computer starts to wander to Facebook or Pinterest, and all I want is a five minute, well maybe fifteen minute distraction from work, and a snack. I haven’t decided if I am truly hungry at this time or just hitting a point in my work day where I need a break, but either way it happens. And it always happens with snacks. Lately to test my theory that I am not truly starving, but more in search of a distraction from my computer, I have been trying to have low point snacks. Ideally snacks that ring in around 1-3 points and give me some mental energy to power through the rest of day. Here are some of my recent favorites. I would love to hear about yours!

1. Vitalicious Triple Chocolate Vitatops or Deep and Chocolately Vitalicious Brownies: 3 P+, 100 calories
I have to admit I was a skeptic of the Vitalicious products for a long time, mostly because of the almost $7 price tag (for 4 VitaTops) they carried at my local grocery store. But when I finally broke down and tried them, ordering in bulk from Amazon to make them much more affordable, I was in love just like so many others. They are packed with protein (6 grams) and fiber (3 grams) and definitely keep me full for a couple of hours at least. More importantly, they fulfill any chocolate cravings I have and stop me from stopping by the always full candy basket nearby. My favorite flavors are the Chocolate VitaTops and Brownies, but if you want a more traditional muffin flavor, their other products are great as well. I usually eat these as afternoon snacks, but they make a great grab and go breakfast as well.

2. Savory Red Pepper Muffins: 2 P+
Although the picture doesn’t do this recipe justice (it was from my very early days of blogging), these are some of my favorite muffins and snacks. They are full of feta, red peppers, and goodness and are perfect for an on the go snack. If you want a full on Greek muffin, add in some olives, and make them even more special.

3. Apples or Bananas with PB2: 45 calories plus fruit, 1 P+
I know I am constantly talking about PB2 on this blog and how much I love it as a replacement for peanut butter, but honestly I eat it almost everyday. One of my favorite snacks is to mix up some PB2 and dip either sliced apples or bananas into it. If I am extra hungry, I make a mini banana and peanut butter sandwich. My favorite thing as a kid and a definite comfort food for me.

4. Portabello Mini Pizzas: 1 P+
When I really have my act together, which sadly isn’t too often, I make these portabello mini pizzas on Sunday for snacks during the week. At only 1 point each, I can have 2, and feel completely satisfied. To reheat them, you can either pop them in the microwave, or better yet, in a toaster oven if you have one nearby. Mix up the toppings when you make them ahead to give yourself some variety throughout the week.

5. Artic Zero Ice Cream: 150 calories per pint, 3 P+ for the whole pint!
Living in Los Angeles and being incredibly lucky to have great weather most of the year, sometimes all I want is ice cream, and at my work that is completely acceptable. In fact, there is always ice cream in the office fridge. To stay on track, I usually reach for Artic Zero, which I recently discovered. Although I hardly ever do, you can eat the entire pint for only 3 points! I can find this in my local grocery store, but I find it is much more affordable to order online.  I personally love the Vanilla topped with fresh fruit and honey, or the mint chocolate blended with some milk for a shake.