Healthy Snack Ideas

*This is a sponsored post on behalf of P&G. I received free samples from P&G and compensation. All opinions and ideas are my own.*

I recently started an Empty Nest series. It has really had me thinking about life, health and our home. You can read the first post HERE. After all the wonderful years of raising our two children, they are in college. They are gaining independence, and at that point you have to hope that you raised them in a way that they will make good decisions and choices. You can't go back in time. This is a new phase in their lives as well as ours. It's time to embrace what life is now…..The Empty Nest.

I have definitely been finding more time to read. I love reading, but I could just never find the time or energy to sit with a good book. I've been doing it more lately, I now I crave to find out what happens next!

I know that my health is very important. I want to maintain my body to be around a long time for my children and future grandchildren. I must take care of myself.

In this post I am sharing what I do! Please consult your doctor if you are starting a new routine. 

One thing that I've been doing is getting back into a routine of daily walks. I strive to get 10,000+ steps per day. On an average day, just doing daily errands and things around the house isn't going to cut it. I have to get out there and hit the road to get my heart rate up to get those steps in. 

I have a walking buddy that never lets me forget that morning walk!

I absolutely love listening to audio books. The only time that I allow myself to listen is when I'm walking. So that's great motivation for me. So find something to motivate you to get you moving!

I've also been using Align Probiotic Supplement for several years now. 

Align is the #1 doctor and gastroenterologist recommended probiotic brand. 

Align is a dietary supplement that fortifies your digestive system with healthy bacteria 24/7 with daily continued use. I take mine every night before I brush my teeth. 

There are many factors in your life that can disrupt you digestive system like stress, diet and travel. Align is the only probiotic that contains Bifidobacterium 35624™ to supplement your digestive system with healthy bacteria to maintain digestive balance. 

Probiotics are good bacteria that support many essential bodily functions, including healthy digestion. They maintain the healthy balance of the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. The microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria and is considered key to overall health. 

I can personally tell a huge difference in my digestive system with taking Align. 

Another choice that we've made as empty nesters, is the food that we bring into our home. 

We chose to eat healthy snacks!

With the empty nest now, we chose to select healthy snacks. We are no longer purchasing processed snacks for convenience or those items the kids liked. If it's in the house…..I'll eat it. So I just don't buy those things now!

Several times per week, I'll prep veggies for quick snacks. They also come in handy for salads. 

We love to keep the following prepped and ready in storage containers in the fridge:

• cucumbers
• red pepper strips
• orange pepper strips
• yellow pepper strips
• carrot sticks

Our dip of choice is humus. 

These veggies are also ready for the many salads that we consume.

My absolute favorite afternoon snack to tide me over until dinner is sliced apples and peanut butter. I confess that I have a sweet tooth. This totally hits the spot.

I've always been an over achiever so I get a bit of a rush on those days that I go beyond 10,000 steps!

I encourage you to live your best life. That starts with your health and well-being. This is what I do! 

• Get moving with my exercise of choice-walking!
• Clean out the unhealthy in the fridge and pantry
• Stock up on healthy snacks
• Take Align Probiotic Supplement daily
• Drink lots of water
  

  PROCTOR & GAMBLE RECENTLY LAUNCHED EMPTY NEST, FULL LIFE. EMPTY NESTERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE P&G COUPONS, RECIPES AND TIPS FOR YOUR HOME AND HEALTH. AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS OF TAKING CARE OF OTHERS, NOW IS TIME TO GIVE YOURSELF A LITTLE FOCUS.