My lovely friend ordered a few dresses online recently, one of them from an Instagram advert and she wasn’t quite sure if it was legit or not. Low and behold, the dress arrived and it is beautiful. However, fortunately for me, she didn’t love it for her. So, she passed it along and keen to take this gorgeous garment on a test run, I wore it to work this morning (I’m a big fan of wearing the dresses even if they are a little fancy — because life is short!)

However, by the time I left the house we had a problem. I’d been running round in circles trying to gather all the things and sneak out without Atticus seeing me (er, leaving him with his Dad, not unattended). It turns out the fabric is so very unbreathable that I was fully sweating by the time I got on the bike. It looks lovely and floaty but feels like that shiny chiffon they use for toddler party dresses and Halloween costumes.

After baking in the sun for the entire commute, I was convinced I was now fully flammable. It’s amazing I got into work without bursting into a ball of flames. God bless the AC as I felt myself sizzle with relief after swinging open the gym doors. It’s such a shame, this dress is amazing, but I’ll just have to save it for the cooler months. I do still have my return journey ahead, so if you heard any stories of a vehicle alight on North Shore, that was probably just me trying to get home.

Given that I love dresses, this is a good month for me. With the wedding just a few weeks away, there are several lined up and I’m pretty excited. I’ve been keeping the nutrition squeaky clean; there’s nothing like a saunter up the aisle to motivate a girl.

Eating well has not meant eating less though. I do a ton of exercise and enjoy food in general, so restriction never works. I find as long as I prioritise the protein and the fibre that keeps me nice and full, so I don’t tend to reach for the junk. I am a fan of snacking, just not snacking on nonsense.

I’m so often asked for healthy snack ideas so I have likely shared this list with you before. However, I have fully updated it and divided it into animal- and plant-based so that it’s easy for everyone to find what they need. Eating snacks that include protein and fibre is a great step towards better balanced blood sugar. It makes it easier to make a healthy choice at your next mealtime as you won’t be riding a sugar high (and the corresponding low — which is what prompts poor decisions.) So have a look at the list below and enjoy!

Ten easy protein and fibre-rich snacks

Animal-based

1, Salmon protein pots

I copy these from the Pret A Manger café in England! Just throw together some salmon (fresh grilled, flaked), quinoa and edamame with extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt and pepper. Easy to prep these for a few days.

2, Grass-fed jerky

Protein only. Cows that have been fed grass vs corn/soy have a much higher omega 3 consumption, meaning that the meat (or dairy) you consume from them is far more healthy and less inflammatory. Jerky can be a great protein rich snack, but picking grass-fed is ideal for this reason. Try to avoid highly seasoned options. As a rule of thumb, if you don’t understand the ingredients on a label, don’t eat it.

3, Organic Greek yoghurt with Holy Crap cereal

Generally, my recommendations are dairy-free, but for those who are ok with dairy, an organic plain Greek yoghurt is a good protein-rich option. Add in some Holy Crap cereal (Miles) for flavour/texture and extra protein/fibre.

4, Chicken and avocado

Instead of making chicken salad with mayo, use mashed avocado instead. Add lemon juice, salt and black pepper for seasoning and to prevent the avocado browning. If you do this in advance, store in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Either have this alone or on a rice cake or oatcake. It’s so easy and so good! I use the grilled chicken breasts from Miles deli to save time (and because I hate handling raw chicken.) Use one third to half a chicken breast for a snack portion.

5, Eggs

Boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, mini frittatas prepped in advance …. Eggs can be such a simple and easy snack. Bonus — they are packed with brain boosting choline too. Try and buy organic so that the fats within the eggs are healthier and less inflammatory. Protein only unless you include veggies in the frittatas.

Plant-based

6, Fruit and nuts

If you’re bored of this it’s probably because you’ve got stuck in an apple and almonds habit! Try a kiwi and pistachios, raspberries and two or three Brazils, pineapple and a handful of pumpkin seeds. Eating a variety is great as it exposes you to different vitamins and minerals as well as keeping things more interesting. I often prep a few pots of mixed fruit for the days ahead and just have whatever nuts are in my desk drawer. I love a gorgeous colour combo — try pomegranate, kiwi and mango!

7, Siggi’s plant-based yoghurt and Holy Crap cereal

Siggi’s plant based yoghurt is my current favourite and contains it’s own hit of protein (unusual for a plant-based yoghurt option). Add in the Holy Crap and you are good to go!

8, Hummus and oatcakes

Bored of this too? I’ve been recommending this forever so if you need a change, try switching up hummus flavours — Bermyfresh have some delicious options — or simply adding a few sundried tomatoes or olive tapenade to the top of your existing brand.

9, GoMacro / Aloha

Re Go Macro — still my favourite bar on the market but always make sure you choose the higher protein options (10g protein or more.) These do contain some sugars too so are more suitable for active days. The Salted Caramel option is so good. Miles have tons of options. If I am at my desk or more sedentary, I usually just have half. Aloha has lower sugars and higher protein — good for a chocolate snack fix when you are sedentary at your desk.

10, Edamame

Steamed edamame with a squeeze of lime and salt is so delicious. It doesn’t just have to be an appetizer for sushi nights. Break it out as a snack at home. You’ll find edamame in pods in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Try and pick a non-GMO brand. You can also buy dried edamame snacks for a more office-friendly option.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in Britain. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda.