Ms Bliss Fit

(From Fitness Magazine)

Stay satisfied and on track to lose weight with these healthy, energizing snacks. Each is just 150 calories or less.

Best Morning Booster: Mocha Yogurt Parfait

Mix 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee with 6 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt until coffee is dissolved. Spoon half the mixture into a bowl and add 1/3 cup sliced strawberries. Top with remaining yogurt, and garnish with 1 tablespoon low-fat granola. (150 calories)

Why we love it:

• Granola provides a healthy dose of glucose (aka fuel) to help jump-start your morning.
• Calcium-rich foods increase fat loss. One study found that people who ate yogurt three times a day lost up to 22 percent more weight than those who ate none.

Best Stress Buster: Hummus and Red Pepper Bites

Spread 2 tablespoons hummus evenly over 5 whole-grain crackers. Top with 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper and a pinch of dried oregano. (150 calories)

Why we love it:

• Red bell peppers contain vitamin C, which has been shown to help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• It’s best to steer clear of coffee and soda if you’re having a hectic day. Caffeine triggers your body to pump out adrenaline, which can make you feel jittery and agitated.

Best Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Superfood Trail Mix

Combine 1 tablespoon each dried cherries, golden raisins, sunflower seeds, and roasted soy nuts with 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips in a ziplock bag; mix. (150 calories)

Why we love it:

• For steady, long-lasting energy, choose snacks with a mix of protein and fiber. String cheese and grapes is another smart combo, as is low-fat cottage cheese topped with fruit.
• Soy nuts have more protein and fewer calories (just 126 calories an ounce) than most tree nuts.

Best Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Superfood Trail Mix

Combine 1 tablespoon each dried cherries, golden raisins, sunflower seeds, and roasted soy nuts with 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips in a ziplock bag; mix. (150 calories)

Why we love it:

• For steady, long-lasting energy, choose snacks with a mix of protein and fiber. String cheese and grapes is another smart combo, as is low-fat cottage cheese topped with fruit.
• Soy nuts have more protein and fewer calories (just 126 calories an ounce) than most tree nuts.

Best Post-Workout Refuel: Blueberry-Pineapple Protein Shake

Combine 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, and 1/4 cup frozen pineapple in a blender; puree until smooth. (140 calories)

Why we love it:

• The protein and carbs in milk help repair muscles and replenish cells’ energy stores after a workout. Eat dairy within 45 minutes of exercising, when the recovery process is at its peak.
• Pineapple contains bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, which may reduce post-workout pain.

Best Nighttime Snack: Pear and Almond Butter English Muffin

Top 1/2 toasted whole-grain English muffin with 2 teaspoons almond butter and slices of 1/4 pear. Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon. (150 calories)

Why we love it:

• The carbs in English muffins may help you get to sleep more quickly, according to recent research. This may be because they help boost levels of the sleep-inducing hormone serotonin.
• Avoid fatty and spicy snacks at night; they may upset your sleep cycle.