Snack and supplement recommendations

[naturalbaby]

I'm getting back into regular exercise after a few years off from having dc's, and hoping to build up to some events like a 10k run. I walk as much as possible to/from Dc's nursery and activities, and exercise 2 or 3 times a week. I'm hideously addicted to sugar so trying to break out of that trap as well as eat better to help me exercise more. Can I please have some ideas for more healthy snacks that will help fuel my body? I've been looking up protein shakes but they're so expensive I'm not sure if they're worth it. I used to use carb based sports drinks when I was training before dc's and am wondering what the best option is now.

Are you looking for 'proper food' snacks, eg nuts and raisins, peanut butter on rice cakes, cold slice of fritatta, etc or more convienience style snacks? I'm a complete sugar addict too but find if I eat every three hours of so then I don't crave it nearly so much and it keeps my energy levels up. The aim is for each snack to contain some protein, fat and good carbs but this is much easier if at home all day with time on your hands!

I use protein shakes post workout as it's the quickest way to get protein to the muscles to help repair and build, but I'd never have one for a snack, partly because of cost and partly because I loathe the taste! If I am out and about and need a snack then my favourtie go to at the moment are peanut Bounce Balls. They taste just like a snickers bar but with no chocolate or sugar, and are high in protein too. I don't think there's anything too bad in the ingredients list, unlike the promax bars I used to use which were loaded with HFCS and other crap. Not cheap, but it does at least fill me up unlike a chocolate bar which will just leave me craving more.

Mixed nuts and raisins

Peanut butter on black pepper Ryvita

Avocado on Ryvita

Wasabi peanuts and wasabi peas (Tesco do these, and I lovewasabi, even when my eyes and nose are streaming)

Banana - helps kill sugar cravings

The Bounce balls are great. I have been using Maximuscle lean bars too, chopping into pieces as a snack. Maximuscle website has 30% off and free delivery using JUNE30 as a code - I am going to try replacing one of my meals with a shake for a few weeks. I was completely addicted to sugar and found the only way to stop was to do a proper detox. Nearly killed me, but it worked!

Thanks for the ideas, will do some shopping.

I used to exercise in the mornings but now it's 8-9pm so by the time I get home I'm not sure what to eat/drink. Think I need to take something with me to eat straight away to help recover - I'm really feeling it after sprints last night!

Cheapest protein is on the my protein website, look for impact whey

I'm a big fan of Nakd bars as a substitute for chocolate bars.

After exercise at that time I would definitely go for a protein shake, easy to digest and casein at night is excellent for muscle recovery. It seems expensive but a big tub does last a while, mine says 28 servings in it....