Yes, here we go again..I’m a snacker. In the old days, the minute I was a tiny bit hungry, I would head to the kitchen, look for something tasty (or whatever was available) and pretty much eat the whole thing. But those days are over, and although I still have snacks on a daily basis, I’ve turned them into a metabolism booster between meals instead of a dietary disadvantage.
Dietary guru’s and nutritional experts alike recommend eating something small between meals to boost energy levels and prevent you from eating too much at lunch or the dinner table. But they’re not talking about devouring a bag of potato chips at 3pm—to lose weight, you have to learn how to snack smart. But the ever burning question emerges—what exactly should we snack on?
Here’s some healthy advice…
If you don’t buy it, you won’t eat it. Sure, I’ve told myself that bag of Doritos or gallon of ice cream is for my husband, but the truth is, if it’s there, I’ll probablly end up muching on it. Buy soy crisps or diet ice cream bars/ frozen yogurt to snack on instead..your family will be better off as well!
Check out the calories. Opt for 50- or 100-calorie snacks if your next meal is within an hour or two, 150 to 200 if it’s going to be longer than that.
Focus on fiber and protein. Snacks that are high in fiber or protein are much more filling than low-fiber snacks. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are fiber-rich; low-fat dairy products, legumes, nuts and lean meat are packed with protein. Whenever you can, combine the two — spread a little peanut butter on your banana, top your whole-wheat crackers with tuna salad or hummus.
Don’t Give Up Your Faves. You shouldn’t cut out snacks you love cold turkey. You’ll end up craving them so bad that before you know it, you’ll be devouring a package of M&M’s in one fail swoop! Try drinking a glass of water, brusing your teeth, going for a walk..if you are still craving, don’t ignore it. Just make sure it’s a perfect portion and that you don’t go overboard. If I’m craving a milkshake, I’ll try to resist the urge, but will have a small one maybe once every couple of months.
Finally, Try Different Snacks. Changing it up and trying all sorts of things not only gives you a variety of nutrients, but keeps us dieters from getting bored. By trying different fruits, veggies, proteins, etc. keeps our bodies satisfied and lessens the tendency to crave.
So, snack away—the smart way!