Snacking can be a good thing, but if it gets out of control, it can lead to weight gain and an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for smart snacking!
1. Healthy Snacks
It may seem obvious that you should choose healthy snacks over unhealthy ones, but many people believe that unhealthy snack foods are okay in moderation. Instead, stick to snacks that you know are healthy and nutritious. By snacking on nutrient-filled, whole foods you are much less likely to overeat. Some examples of perfect healthy snacks are raw vegetables and various unsalted mixed nuts and seeds.
2. Portion Control
An important part of snacking is to exercise portion control. You should always decide how much you are going to eat in one sitting. For example, pour your desired amount of trail mix into a bowl before settling down to watch a movie, and once that bowl is finished, you know you are done. Avoid passively munching on snacks from their original packaging (unless it’s a single-serve portion) to avoid over eating.
3. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead always leads to success! Instead of waiting for the snack cravings to come, be proactive and prepare healthy snacks that are easy to grab. This will help you avoid the temptation of eating something unhealthy. For example, cut up veggies and store them in a container in the fridge, or purchase ingredients from the bulk section of your grocery store, such as almonds and dried cranberries, to make your own trail mix. You should also keep healthy smoothie ingredients on hand, such as frozen berries and almond butter to quickly blend a tasty smoothie to satisfy your cravings! For some easy and delicious recipes, click here.
