Why do you grab a snack during the day? Maybe it is because you’re bored, need a mood picker-upper, stressed, hungry between meals, or just too busy to eat a regular meal. Whatever the reason, snacking has become a norm for any time and anywhere occurrence. Many Americans snack two to three times a day.
Not only are Americans snacking more often, but also the types of foods they prefer to snack on are changing. Snacks are becoming salty chips, cookies, Debbie cakes, soda, candy bars, and other high calories, low nutrient foods, and beverages. With snacking more and less exercise, it is a reason that America is getting more obese over time.
Since snacking more has become more of a norm, it is important to snack healthier when you have the urge. Do not jeopardize your health with a food or beverage that does not benefit your body’s nutrients. Make smart choices during snacking. The Following are five tips to help you snack smart.
Mindfully Snack. Always make sure that you are aware of what and why you’re eating. Grabbing a snicker because you just want something sweet is mindlessly snacking. Allowing your body to tell you when you need a snack and having a nutritious snack such as fruit, yogurt, or a low-fat snack is mindfully snacking.
Plan ahead. Have a plan for what you will snack on when you have a desire to snack. Make sure to stock up on grab-and-go snacks. This could be granola bars, protein bars, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and other healthy foods that are easy to grab on the way out the door. The snacks should be convenient so it makes it easier for you to plan. This shouldn’t take all your time to plan. Find snacks that are healthy and you wouldn’t want to trade for a bag of chips.
Make healthy snacking a family event. Let the children have a choice in the snacks that will be provided during the day. When they make the decision of what snacks they will be eating, they are more likely not to let it go to waste. Come up with homemade snacks that are healthy. You have put in the time and the work to make this snack, the family will be more willing to eat it. Make sure you hold each other accountable of eating healthy.
Select Protein-rich foods. Protein is so beneficial to the body. It helps you to maintain and lose weight as well as manage hunger. This is very important so you don’t over snack through the day. Protein also helps improve your ability to concentrate. With all that activity and working out that you and the family are getting, it will also help fuel and build the muscles that are being worked.
Portion control. This is very important to eating and snacking. No matter how healthy the food is that you are eating, there is too much. Measure out the snacks in small portion sizes.
