The first day back after a holiday is never easy, but the first Monday of a new year? Rough! For those of you with resolutions to be healthier in 2016, meal planning is key, and Sunday afternoons are just perfect for getting a weeks worth of snacks together!
With fruits and vegetables, I don’t really follow a hard portion rule – I buy pre-sliced apples by the bag, which comes out to about three servings. Bell peppers, carrots and celery don’t need to be rationed, and a container of strawberries fit perfect in four of these little Tupperware containers.
The real issue comes with your salty favorites. Who hasn’t finished a sleeve of Pringles I’m one sitting? I crave salty snacks, so proper portion control is very important to me. Plus, it’s so much easier to make your lunch if they’re already in bags, especially when you’re running late in the morning (AKA every day.)
Serving size: 24 pretzels
I buy these specifically to doctor them up with italian seasoning, cayenne pepper and vegetable oil (not healthy, I know), but pretzels are ranked towards the top of most “what not to eat on a diet” lists. By portioning the, out, you don’t have to feel so bad.
Cape Cod 40% Less Fat Sea Salt & Vinegar Chips
Serving size: 18 chips
EIGHTEEN?!? Pass the Kleenex – this one breaks my heart. But, spoiler alert, I was able to enjoy just one last night. The flavor is too good to pass up.
Serving size: 12 chips
Excuse me, Parks, but these are apples! They’re healthy! Alas, poor reader, these have the smallest serving size with nearly as many calories and grams of fat. I’ll take kettle chips over these any day.
Cape Cod White Cheddar Popcorn
Serving size: 2 & 1/4 cups
Apparently I love Cape Cod snacks. Popcorn is a good size snack, and is perfect for basically any occasion.
Boom Chicka Pop Lightly Sweetened Popcorn
Serving size: 3 & 1/4 cups
Everything I said above about popcorn applies, plus this one has a bit of sweetness.
What’s your go-to snack?
The Parks Department 