Food has the potential to fuel us. Putting some effort into choosing food that will actually give you some good, lasting energy can really make all the difference. I often get asked about some good snack ideas. For my own kids' lunches and snacks at school I enjoy baking cookies, muffins, bars or energy bites that have some ingredients in them to help fuel those little tummies. It can be a great family activity when you involve your kids. Fair warning though- this will add mess and time!

I often choose ingredients that have protein- nuts, seeds, nut and seed butters and even lentils. I am a fan of recipes that I can keep frozen so that I can pop them into lunches, or grab and go for activities.

Another favourite of mine is homous and veggies. I also like corn thins with nut and seed butters on them. I find I often go to a home-mixed trail mix too. This way you can vary what's in the mix and control how many sugary/salty ingredients you use. Adding cereal, pretzels, dried chickpeas, chocolate or carob chips, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, seaweed pieces, little fruit bar pieces are all things I have used - to name a few.

A final go-to snack I use is guacamole and tortilla chips. Quick, easy and delicious- need I say more? Crackers and smoked tofu are another not overly messy snack that's quick to throw together.

Do you have go to snacks that you use?

Looking for more snack ideas? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com.

As March comes to a close I wanted to squeeze in a post about this years nutrition month. The theme this year is about how, as an RD, I support people to unlock the potential of food.

I think it's safe to say that most of us know food is nourishment, but it really is so much more than that. 

Food touches my life in so many ways, and I love bringing that to my profession and sharing it with my clients too. For me personally, food:

-Enhances lives- growing food in my garden.
-Improves health- I eat for both enjoyment and health and choose my foods accordingly.
-Inspires kids- having my kids involved in growing food, choosing their meals/snacks and prepping them is so much
                          fun. Baking together is something I hope we enjoy together for years to come. 
-Fuels activities- I am a breakfast person- without eating a filling breakfast I would not make through the day.                                            Breakfast and snacks are my go-to. 
-Brings people together- Family meals are a time to connect with my family, and give me a chance to slow down
                                               from my busy days.

How does food touch your life? I would love to hear.

Looking for more info on the potential of food for you? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future's Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com