Zone snacks are a vital part of your diet plan and need to become an integral part of your daily routine. Snacks are more like mini meals and need to have the 40 - 30 - 30 balance. It can be tricky and a little frustrating at times, but try not to let your frustration be your excuse for making snack time cheat time. For optimal performance and optimal health you need to stay in the Zone. If you do fall out of the Zone on one of your snacks just make sure your next meal is Zone balanced. Remember there is no guilt in the Zone. For most people the best snack times fall between lunch and dinner and before bedtime. Eating your last snack before bedtime keeps your metabolism working for your body throughout the length of the night. Your first meal of the day should be no more than one hour after waking.
| 2 Block Zone Snacks | |
|---|---|
4 oz red or white wine 1 cup grapes 12 pistachios |
1 oz deli turkey 1 tablespoon avocado 1 strip turkey bacon |
1⁄3 cup cooked,rinsed black beans ¼ cup onions, diced ½ cup cherry tomatoes cut in half 1⁄3 teaspoon sesame oil 1⁄3 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon dry basil Salt and Pepper to taste Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, and toss together |
1 oz low fat cheddar 1 oz grilled chicken breast 1 oz black beans mashed 1 oz pico de gallo 2 tablespoons avocado smear botttom of toasted torilla with black beans and top with chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, and cheese. Place under broiler just until hot. |
1 apple or 1 cup grapes 6 almonds |
1 oz herbed brie ¾ oz smoked salmon lox |
1 cup cherry tomatoes ½ cup onion julienne sliced ¼ fresh basil sliced chiffonade 1 cup diced cucumber 2⁄3 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar Salt and Pepper to taste Mix ingredients in a bowl and toss together. |
1 ½ oz low fat Mozarella ¾ oz diced ham or chicken 1 teaspoon basil infused olive oil Spread crushed tomatoes on bottom of pita bread. Top with Mozzraella and your protein of choice. Place under broiler until heated through. |
All of these are great snack ideas. If you are looking for a one block snack,simply cut the recipe in half; or better yet, make the full recipe and place half in the fridge for a second snack. Having a snack all ready to go makes all the difference on a busy day. There are millions of other recipes and combinations you can out together. Have fun and experiment. Combine ingredients you would never think of putting together (but avoid peanut butter and tuna - Trust me). If we all have something in common it is that everybody enjoys food and enjoys eating. Just make sure you enjoy responsibly.
