"Hangry"

The word "hangry" has become a part of my daily vocabulary. "hangry"is a state of anger caused by lack of food; hunger causing a negative change in emotional state.

 This is not a joke. A few researchers from Cambridge University found that when levels of the brain chemical serotonin are low, it may be more difficult for the brain to control emotional responses to anger.

    I feel justified knowing that my ability to have about 1000 snacks a day to keep in good spirits isn't thhhat outrageous. Im often  starving and if I don't get a snack, ohhh 10 minutes ago I'm seriously going to have a melt down.
    
    Sometimes I wonder if anyone else thinks about food as much as me. This I try to justify by identifying as a "foodie." I love everything about meal times. I love place settings with friends gathered around the table. The color and placement of food on platters, in bowls, and on trivets, I love cooking with spices and creating new combinations of food. I love tasting and adding complimentary beverages to the foods I cook. I love it all! but really, I might just have an abnormal obsession with food. Around oh 9:00 am I start thinking about what and when I'll eat next.

    THUS....My soap box on snacking, snacking benefits, tips, and some delicious current faves to share!

Snacking is very beneficial to your health. It helps to....

Manage Hunger

Having a healthy snack can manage your hunger level between meals. If you wait too long between eating times you will become what I like to call a "bottomless pit" and end up eating everything in sight.  

Manage your Energy Levels  

 A satisfying, healthy snack that has some protein or healthy fats keep your energy level higher than snacks consisting of refined sugars. Eating can also stimulate you during your work day or at school. Pop a snack in your system to keep you alert throughout the day  

Stimulate Your Metabolism

Depriving your body of fuel is a going to slow your metabolism down. Food stimulates energy metabolism needed for digestion in a process called “dietary induced thermogenesis.”  Restricting calories signals the body that there is no food available, so it tries to conserve stores of carbohydrate and fat by slowing down its metabolism. The best way to keep your metabolism revved is to eat regular meals to give your body a constant supply of healthy fuel.


TIPS:

1) Snacks should be healthy and filling. Shoot for 100-200 calories per snack.
2) Prepare you snacks in advance for you work or school day so your not forced to visit the vending machine.
3) You should eat 5-6 times a day. Breakfast, MORNING SNACK, lunch, AFTERNOON SNACK, and dinner. I usually eat every 3 hours. 7:00, 10:00, 1:00, 4:00, and 7:00, but its important to work with your schedule. Yours may vary depending on the time you wake up and and go to bed.
4) If you forget to snack, set an alarm on your phone or have an e-mail sent to you during your work day so you can continue to trick your metabolism.
5) Take time to enjoy your snack and be mindful during the time your eating. This will help your body recognize that your intaking food and process it so you become satisfied.

MY CURRENT FAVES!

Bag O' Nuts: My favorite combo is: Pistachios, Almonds, Sunflower seeds, and walnuts. Add dried cherries for your sweet tooth!

Seed Crackers:
-1/3 cup chia seeds
-1/3 cup flax seeds
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup agave
-1/4 tsp. allspice or cinnamon
- 1+ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum (for binding)
- 2-4 tbsp. water if needed

1) Place on greased parchment paper on a cookie sheet and press flat. (about 1/8" thick.)
2) Bake at 300F for 30 min. per side.
3) Score immediately after removal as it will firm up fast. (a pizza cutter works best)

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter: I love the Trader Joe's brand of PB. It has yummy roasted flax seed for a little crunch. Add some strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to the top! If you need a sweet, you can throw on some chocolate or yogurt chips.

Nut Bars: My current fav. are the nut bars from Costco. I also really love the coconut MOJO bar you can buy at any locoal market.

Apple with PB and Granola: Again, you can't go wrong with Trader Joe's pb and I really love the pumpkin flax granola from Nature Path. It will set you in the mood for fall!

There are plenty more snacks that may fit your fancy just keep them in that 100-200 calorie range and make sure it will fulfill your craving so you don't rumage through the kitchen in search for more! You can add "hangry" to your repretoire of words. Its the perfect description for our " food moods" some days.