Who doesn’t love a good snack, like a banana with some peanut butter or hummus slathered on carrot sticks? There is a false narrative circulating that snacking can derail your health goals. However, snacking can actually benefit you in many ways, as long as you make the right choices. When your body feels fulfilled by the proper foods, you’ll be less likely to indulge in less nutritious options or simply eat too large of portions. See our suggestions below to get started.
A common snacking myth is that snacks between meals can ruin your appetite. Some people will not snack because they think they will be full at the next mealtime. On the contrary, if you experience hunger pangs and ignore them, you often run the risk of being so starved that you will overeat during meals. You might even make unhealthier decisions, should you become so hungry that you are desperate to eat the first thing you can find. Snacking between meals can take off the edge and allow you to enjoy your main meals.
Another common mistake people make is only eating junk food as snacks. If you do this, then you will find that snacking is not making you healthier. Avoid processed or packaged foods or foods high in fat. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies are good choices. You can also snack on lean meats, like turkey, or low-fat cheeses.
The best way to snack healthfully is by preparing your snacks ahead of time. Keep several types of non-perishable healthy foods with you when you head out of the house. A snack bag loaded with crackers, peanut butter, granola bars, water, and string cheese can get you through the day without reaching for the chips, candy, or sodas.
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