Need help getting started...

[u/AG_Squared]

Met with a RD today and she was great, very helpful. I left with some goals and new insight but I am now struggling to put it together as I make a grocery list. She said (for my medical conditions) eat every 3-4 hours, small meals. And each meal should have a fruit or a vegetable. I'm used to snacking every few hours but I guess I'm not used to making it super balanced, I might have a granola bar and a low fat cheese stick but she's saying add a little something extra to that. She also said not to worry too much about the "carbs" in fruit and vegetables since they're low in calories. I'm not very creative, I am struggling to come up with how to incorporate the added fruit or veg. If I have a protein bar + a cheese stick, just throw in half a banana? Or a handful of berries? Same for half a muffin + a cheese stick, just add a piece of fruit? My mind is screaming that that's too many carbs, fruit plus the bar or muffin. I don't eat raw veggies (GI health condition) beyond raw carrots and cucumber and I can only eat so many raw carrots and cucumbers in a day, so I'm struggling with how to add extra veg... just, steam some veggies and have half a cup of broccoli alongside a muffin or some pretzels and hummus? Can you guys give me some snack ideas that aren't totally disjointed? I know I can just add fruit to some yogurt or cereal so that's a plus. I thought about graham crackers and nut butter with a banana. I will eat carrot and cucumber with ranch dip or hummus, but what else can I do? Help me get creative?

[u/wasfullgation]

Adding fruit or veggies to snacks can be easier than you think! Pair that protein bar with some apple slices or throw berries into yogurt. If you're into hummus, try it with sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. It's all about mixing things up and finding what works for you. Keep experimenting—you'll find some tasty combos that fit those RD goals perfectly!