Snacking outside the box

I had a snack breakthrough this past week and want to share it with you here.  I've been very busy at work recently. With such a packed schedule I've somehow managed to continue packing lunches for myself, but dropped the ball on the afternoon snack. When 3 o'clock hit, I was generally hungy, grumpy and plotting where I could get a quick pick-me-up: a peice of coffee cake; a muffin; a cookie. Those were the kinds of foods I was craving because I wanted energy and I wanted it fast.

Unfortunately, eating a muffin or cookie every day mid-afternoon is not particularly nutritious, satisfying, economical or efficient: all things I value. And a string cheese just wasn't cutting it for me recently. Don't love the aftertaste.

When I was talking about this with my husband--yes, we discuss things like which snacks are most satisfying in the afternoon--he mentioned that he'd been eating raw almonds because they are healthy and tide him over until dinner.

Unfortunately, raw almonds didn't sound appealing to me.  I don't find them particularly satisfying, and with all the dental work I've endured, I don't love the idea of eating such a crunchy food so often. 

And then it hit me: almond butter (which I love)! That would be a great snack to try!

Sure, people may think it a bit odd to see me eating almond butter with a spoon, but I have to say, it has been a very satisfying snack this week. It gives me an energy boost, it tastes good, and it tides me over until dinner. Kablamo!

You could certainly spread almond butter on crackers, a banana or an apple, but I've been eating it straight from my tupperware. It's easy, efficient, nutritious and satisfying.

What are your favorite snacks and why?