Snacking is one of the best ways to boost your energy and manage your appetite throughout the day #Ad. The question is “What should I snack on?”. Social media is filled with pretty pictures, recipes and ideas, but at the end of the day SIMPLICITY and CONVENIENCE will always win out.
Keep things simple this spring and reach for fresh California Strawberries which are in peak season and readily available now. California strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, are a source of fibre and low in sugar. Move over oranges, one serving of 8 strawberries has more vitamin C than one orange!
If you’re after a healthier sweet snack to complete your Netflix show of choice, pair 8 whole California strawberries with a few squares of 70% dark chocolate – you’ll also be getting a healthy dose of iron (vitamin C helps absorb iron from plant-based food sources).
Strawberries are delicious on their own, but when paired with a source of protein – you’ll be satisfied for much longer. Simply pair ¼ cup of whole nuts such as cashews, pecans, pistachios or almonds with 8 California strawberries and you have a perfectly balanced snack on-the-go, at your desk or post work-out. 
Toast isn’t just for avocado or eggs! Spread some nut or seed butter on sprouted grain toast and top with sliced California strawberries. For a more substantial snack, amp it up by adding in sliced bananas and sprinkle hemp hearts on top. 
I recently discovered how EASY and FUN it is to make homemade California strawberry yogurt bark. This recipe is super versatile as you can really make it your own with optional add ins for sweeteners and / or toppings such as: nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even graham cracker crumbs. 
Here’s what you need for the basic version:
¾ cup sliced California Strawberries
1.5 cups plain Greek Yogurt
1 Tbsp maple syrup, honey or sweetener or choice
8 x 8 square pan lined with parchment paper
Mix all the ingredients together and spread evenly across the parchment lined pan. Freeze for 4 or more hours. Break apart and serve!
California Strawberry Coconut Chia Seed Pudding is another easy prep snack that is equal parts delicious and nutritious!
Here’s what you need for one portion:
2 Tbsp chia seeds
½ coconut milk (full fat)
4 Tbsp water
1 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) *optional, but recommended
6-8 California strawberries sliced
Stir the chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup and water together in a mason jar. Place in the fridge to set for an hour or more. Add the sliced berries prior to serving and enjoy!
One serving of 8 California strawberries is only 50 calories! Despite their low-calorie count, fresh whole strawberries are still quite filling due to their fibre and water content. Choose fresh over dried fruit wherever possible to get the most benefit from these little gems. 
