My Back to My Fall Routine and Overcoming Snack Attacks

13 Sep My Back to My Fall Routine and Overcoming Snack Attacks

This post was created in partnership with Dannon Light & Fit. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

When my kids go back to school, that means getting back on my kid-centric schedule. In order to have the energy I need to keep up with my kids and their activities, I need to adjust my eating schedule accordingly. Here’s my typical back-to-school routine and a super simple yogurt dip recipe that I love making.

A Typical Day
When school is in full swing, I end up having to balance my kids, work, and my workouts. Taking care of me is a priority so I can be present and healthy for my kids and everything they need. Here is what a typical day looks like for me:

• 6:15am = Rise and Shine
• 6:20am = Exercise on the elliptical
• 7:20am = Breakfast
• 8:00am = Drive kids to school
• 8:30am = Work
• 10:30am = Morning snack
• 12:00pm = Pilates
• 1:00pm = Lunch
• 2:45pm = Pick up kids from school
• 3:30pm = Drive kids to activities
• 4:00 = Afternoon snack
• 5:00pm = More work
• 6:30pm = Pick up kids from activities
• 7:00pm = Dinner
• 8:30pm = Evening snack (with the family!)
• 10:30pm = Bedtime

Although my schedule changes based on my children’s activities and my workout schedule– several days a week I have tennis matches or practice– I make sure to eat three meals and two to three snacks every day. In my house, we try to snack together. This is also a time that we can catch-up with one another.

Planning My Snacks

One of the biggest roadblocks I’ve had is to make sure to eat healthy snacks in-between meals so I don’t become overly hungry. As I am over 40 and my metabolism has started to slow down, I also want to keep my calories under control and aim for about 125 to 150 calories per snack.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend increasing intake of nutrient-dense foods, such as fat-free or low-fat dairy products, like yogurt. Greek yogurt is one of my favorite foods, so I typically turn to Light & Fit Original Greek Nonfat Yogurt with 80 calories and 12 grams of protein per 5.3 ounces. In addition, Greek yogurt is nutrient-dense and is often a good source of protein and calcium. Greek yogurts typically contain more protein than regular yogurts.

At night I often crave something a little sweet, so Light & Fit helps satisfy my sweet tooth. I will also add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder if I’m in a chocolatey mood. It works well in the cherry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors. Putting my dip in a special glass, well just makes me happy!

Cherry-Chocolate Yogurt Dip with Fruit

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes

2 (5.3 oz) containers Light & Fit Original Greek Cherry Nonfat  Yogurt
1 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
24 seedless green grapes, washed
12 strawberries, washed and trimmed

Special equipment
12 (4-inch) bamboo skewers

1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and cocoa powder.
2. Thread each skewer with 2 grapes and 1 strawberry in the center. Repeat for remaining 11 skewers.
3. Serve the yogurt dip with the fruit skewers on the side. Enjoy.

Serving size: 3 skewers

Nutrition Information (per 3 skewers)
Calories: 79; Total Fat: 0 grams; Saturated Fat: 0 grams; Protein: 4 grams; Total Carbohydrates: 17 grams; Sugars: 13 grams; Fiber: 2 grams; Sodium: 13 milligrams

For more delicious meal and snack ideas with Dannon Light & Fit Original Greek Nonfat Yogurt, follow @Lightandfit on Instagram and use the hashtag #LightandFitRD #LightandFit.