Think guacamole is only for barbeques or fiesta taco night? Not so! Pick up some fresh made organic guac at your health food market or mix up a batch yourself. With their high quantity of monosaturated fats, avocados help lower inflammation, oxidative stress, and risk of heart disease. As if that’s not enough, they are also high in fiber, panthothenic acid, carotenoids (helps vitamin a absorption), vitamin k (helps vitamin D absorption), omega 3 and 6, and minerals copper and folate.

Traditionally, ants on a log is made with peanut butter and raisins. Version 2.0 (I just named it) is upgraded for nutritional value. How to? Swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, and raisins for goji berries. Goji berries have much less sugar than raisins, and rank as a superfood for their high antioxidant content. There’s also helpful in regulating hormones. Sold!

The choices are endless. With protein and healthy fats, nuts will metabolize the blood sugar spike you normally get from eating fruit alone. It’s a win-win. You’ll get higher, longer lasting energy levels and less sugar/carb cravings.

Here’s a convenient way to beef up your salmon intake: do it snack-style. Check that your smoked salmon is wild, and your crackers are gluten-free or whole grain. One of my favorites is Mary’s Gone Crackers- gluten free, made with quinoa, brown rice and seeds. Gone Paleo? Smoked salmon also tastes great on sliced cucumber. And for those in the mood for something a little more decadent, add on a dollop of goat cheese.

A classic favorite. Make a batch on the weekend, then throw 1 or 2 in your cooler as a snack. Simple, easy protein hit on the go.

For those days when you have absolutely no time to prep, throw a package of turkey jerky in your bag. It’s super tasty, satisfying and energizing. Turkey jerky has become pretty popular recently. So many options- how to choose? Read your labels. Make sure your turkey is what I call “happy meat”, meaning it’s organic or free range, and free of antibiotics and hormones.

Some people find hummus digestively challenging. If this is you, I recommend trying the sprouted version. Sprouting beans increases nutrient absorptions and improves digestibility. In the past, I’ve sprouted beans on my own, and it does make for a fun and yummy science project. However nowadays sprouted hummus is sold in health food markets.

A different way to do avocado, this one earns high points for overall satisfaction. You do need to be a sauerkraut person, and if you are, you will love this. It’s a perfect way to get your daily serving of fermented foods in (we love you, gut -healing probiotics). Due to the toasted tortilla, it doesn’t travel well, so I recommend having it at home for a pre-dinner or a weekend snack.