I’m currently balancing three different “jobs-” school, my clinical hours, and my actual job which actually pays. Needless to say, I’m constantly on the move between places and spaces, so it’s absolutely crucial to me that I find healthy, filling snacks that will hold me over between clients, classes, etc. Also, since I’m still in training for our half marathon (just a week and a half left!), I’m constantly trying to find ways to incorporate the appropriate increase in carbs to keep my energy up. These rice cake snacks seem to do just the trick, while keeping them light and packed with nutrients and taste!

Let’s start off with the rice cake: these can have a tendency to be high in sodium so beware!! I have done research (i.e. shopped around a lot) and found that the best nutritional value comes from the good old Quaker brand. Quaker offers a low sodium brown rice cake (gluten free for all my g-free friends!), and only 35 calories per cake, and only 7g carbs! Not to mention, since they’re Quaker they’re relatively easy to find at most grocery stores. Now let’s get to the good stuff…

1. The first is your basic rice cake with almond butter (I choose almond butter over peanut butter because it has significantly more phosphorus [cell-repairing stuff], more than twice as much magnesium, and 692% more Calcium-and we all know that’s good stuff!). Not to mention the protein is bound to keep you full! In addition, I add a sprinkle of cinnamon across the whole rice cake since cinnamon has great anti-inflammatory properties. This is probably my all time favorite snack. Ever. If you’re feeling really adventurous, and looking for a bit of [healthy] sugar and extra potassium, cut a banana into slices and layer on top. Delish, and only 135 calories (with one tablespoon of almond butter).

2. Mexican Rice Cake: This is like one giant nacho, without the fried tortilla chips! Whatever you would add to nachos: add it! Fat free sour cream, salsa (I like the garlic chipotle salsa from Trader Joes), black beans, avocado, and cheese. The black beans add protein and essential fiber!

3. Rice Cake Pizza: Not only is this fun to eat, it’s fun to make! I like to use Trader Joe’s pizza sauce, as well as their light shredded cheese. Using these ingredients (or whichever you can find at your favorite grocery store), spread 2 tablespoons pizza sauce to rice cake, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese sprinkled over the rice cake. Pop it in the toaster oven on Broil at 500 degrees for 5-6 minutes and voila! Only 115 calories in this savory snack!

3. Fruity Rice Cake Dessert: This could be used as a snack or dessert. Spread some vanilla greek yogurt or cream cheese (depending on the taste you’re going after), and add sliced strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, blueberries, etc. Add a little agave nectar for some organic added sweetness, and/or lemon zest for some gourmet freshness!

4. Smoked salmon rice cake: That’s right, smoked salmon. Sticking with the seemingly Trader Joes theme, pick yourself up some thinly sliced smoked salmon (as pictured). Spread the “Creamy Swiss” Laughing Cow wedge (only 35 calories!) over the rice cake, and layer the smoked salmon on top. For an added boost of flavor (and color) sprinkle some dried dill on top. Mmmm can you say omega-3s?

There are lots more ways to get creative with these versatile canvases, so have fun with it! Hope you find a way to indulge in healthy, portable, and tasty snacks!

***Mother’s Day Giveaway***

Want to win your mom (or other special woman in your life) a wonderful day at a fabulous Massage Envy location near you for Mother’s Day? If so, then you:

1. Must be an itsybitsyindulgences e-mail follower
2. Must comment below to say why your mom (or special other woman in your life) deserves a “ME day.”

One additional entry for each of the following:

1. Like our Facebook page “itsybitsyindulgences”
2. Follow us on Instagram: @shanpulsifer or @allisonroberts
3. Post this giveaway on fb or Instagram (#itsybitsyindulgences)
4. Like The Massage Envy- Frisco & McKinney Facebook page

Giveaway closes on 5/3 and the winner will be announced on the 5/6 blog post! Only open to US residents due to the ME spa locations.

-Allison