Tasty Snacks that are Good for You (plus Coconut-Lime Water recipe)

This post about tasty snacks that are good for you, featuring a coconut-lime water recipe, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All stories, photos, and opinions are my own. #LoveV8Protein #CollectiveBias

You know, it’s almost the New Year and everyone is going to be talking about eating healthy and losing weight, getting active…you know, all the typical resolutions. Well, as you know, I have been on this journey forEVER and I’ve found a few things that work for me that I like to share from time to time. One of the things that I get asked the most often when I post about my healthy living is what do I eat and what I use for snacks. Well, here’s some new tasty snacks that are good for you and a fruit-infused water recipe that I am in love with now!

Having a 6 year old active boy means that I have to stay active as well. He does have days where he allows me to be a little lazy in the morning, but for the most part, as soon as he is awake, he is ready to get moving. Sometimes I just don’t have time to make a full protein-packed breakfast so I need to grab something and go (that would be the days that I sleep a little longer and hit the snooze one more time) and I’ve found a morning shake and an afternoon protein bar that are both tasty and good for you.

I picked up the V8 Protein bars and shakes when I was looking in the weight loss aisle by the pharmacy. I chose the chocolate peanut butter bars and the chocolate raspberry shakes (can you tell I like chocolate?) and was curious to taste them to see if they were as good as all the other V8 products I’ve tried in the past.

You can find out more about the other flavors and V8 products by following on Facebook, Twitter, and by searching the hashtag #LoveV8Protein!

When I was younger, I learned that I have a sensitivity to milk and it was devastating to me. I used to love having cereal with milk for breakfast and now I have to find alternatives to the typical breakfast anyway. My eating plan requires that I have lots of protein and fiber and stay away from sugar and carbs for breakfast. With 12g of protein and 3g of fiber, the V8 Protein shakes are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast. I get the initial burst of energy and the fuel I need to start my day.

As I mentioned, I chose the chocolate raspberry flavor and it is perfect for me. I get the chocolate taste that I crave and the berry blast that makes it even tastier. These shakes have no high fructose corn syrup and are packed with lots of good-for-you stuff.  The shake protein comes from Milk (but not so much that it irritates my sensitivity), Soy, Pea, Brown Rice, and Quinoa. It also contains veggies from sweet potatoes and carrots, as well as sweeteners from honey, brown rice syrup, and sugar. All these ingredients means that the shake is delicious AND nutritious. I don’t just get a burst of energy and then a crash. I get the fuel I need to get my day going!

Now, in the afternoon, usually around 3pm, I start to feel a little drowsy. I’ve eaten lunch and that fuel has worn off and I’ve likely been either reading all day (if I’m working) or chasing Benjamin around town. I need a little pick-me-up to finish out my day. Sometimes I feel tempted to go grab a candy bar or some trail mix and while trail mix sounds like a good option, this V8 Protein bar has become my go-to for my afternoon tasty snacks.

I get the chocolate that I crave (again) and a little peanut butter taste for extra fuel. I get 10g of protein and 5g of fiber for my healthy eating plan and I feel refreshed and ready to tackle my late afternoon. Part of my healthy living plan includes drinking a lot of water and I’ve stressed the importance of water many times, but sometimes just plain water can get boring. I’ve come up with a great way to jazz up your water with this coconut-lime water recipe to pair with your protein bar!

Coconut-Lime Water

1 small coconut

2 small limes

Water and ice

Sweetener (if preferred)

I usually make a pitcher at a time and pour it into a glass when I’m ready to drink some so this recipe will make a full pitcher.

Use the water from a real coconut for the freshness. It should contain about a 1/2 cup of water from a small coconut. Be sure to strain the water several times to get the coconut shavings out. Add the juice from two small limes to the coconut water. Add this mixture to a pitcher of ice cold water. I prefer it unsweetened, but you can sweeten with your favorite sweetener to preference. Garnish with a slice of lime for whimsy and you have a delicious fruit-infused detox water to enjoy with your protein bar.

What are your favorite good-for-you tasty snacks?