Popcorn, avocado, cottage cheese, fruit, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, hummus- galore! There are endless possibilities for creating the perfect healthy snack. These food items are all so versatile that you can mix and match until you have exactly what you are craving.
When people think of snacking, they usually associate it with being a bad thing. But it doesn’t have to be. If it’s
done correctly, it can actually be very beneficial for you and your body. Healthy snacking can assist with weight loss, help fill in for missing nutrients, keep your body energized throughout the day, and keep you fuller so you don’t overeat at larger meals.
Here are some of our favorite tips on how to snack the right way:
1. Make sure you’re snacking because you’re hungry, not bored.
One trick to know if you’re really hungry is to ask yourself, can I eat a whole apple right now? If the answer is yes, have a snack. If the answer is no, then you’re probably just bored and possibly dehydrated. Also, a lot of people mistake hunger for thirst so make sure to drink lots of water so you know what you’re body is really asking you to consume.
2. Watch your portions!
If you have no idea what one ounce or two cups looks like, then break out the measuring cups or the scale. If you’re not around a kitchen, look at the nutrition facts for the recommended serving. Your small snack of an apple and cheese could turn into 500 calories. Here’s a bit more information about serving sizes when you’re on the go or at home.
3. Get all your nutrients!
Use snacking as an opportunity to provide you nutrients that you didn’t get at your last meal(s). Healthy snacks such as veggies and hummus, fruit and nut bars, and whole fruit are the best ways to keep you going between meals and to satisfy your cravings so you don’t overindulge.
If you get all your nutrients through your meals then this is just a great way to get extra sources of minerals, vitamin, protein and fiber.
4. It’s OK to indulge on occasion!
If the one thing you’re craving is ice cream or chocolate-covered almonds,
you don’t always need to deny yourself what you want; just watch you portions and try to avoid eating sugar late at night. Even better, make sure none of it is artificial so your body can digest it properly.
Snacking is not meant to be the bad guy; it’s meant to be helpful and a good way to keep up your metabolism. There are many easy ways to snack. Now, it’s time to grab a bite!
