Life is complicated enough, snacking doesn’t have to be! There are plenty of nutritious, yummy snacks, such as chia seed pudding and kale chips, but these can take planning ahead and/or prep time which sometimes you just don’t have. Most people snack daily and a good percentage of those snack two or three times daily. If you’re not making smart choices and watching your portions, snacking could be sabotaging your weight loss as well as jeopardizing your health.
The following are some tips to help you snack smart:
* Check your hunger level. Sometimes you’re bored, tired, stressed, but not hungry. Save the snack for when you actually are!
* Check your fluid level. Maybe you’re thirsty rather than hungry. First have a tall glass of water to see if that satisfies you instead.
* Pay close attention to food labels. So often people think everything Gluten-Free and Fat-Free is healthy. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! In fact fat-free processed foods should make you run for the hills!
* Try to have more than just one macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate) when you snack. For instance, instead of simply having carrot sticks, combine them with hummus.
* Watch your portions. Remember that snacks have calories too! It helps if you track your macros and calories each day (I use Fitness Pal). That way you can allocate your calories as you like throughout the day and enjoy your food the way it fits for your lifestyle.
* Snack mindfully, meaning be aware of what and how much you’re eating. If you’re going to snack while watching tv or working on your computer make sure you plan how much you’re eating ahead of time.
* Choose protein-rich foods such as nuts, hard boiled eggs, cheese or yogurt for satiety and long lasting energy.
* Think convenience. Keep your pantry and fridge stocked with grab-and-go snacks such as fruits, veggies, string cheese, hard boiled eggs, deli meats, salsa, hummus, guacamole, seed crackers, and Sunbutter so you always have quick, healthy options on hand.
* Plan ahead. Eat a healthy snack before attending an event that may only have unhealthy options available. You’re less likely to munch on junk food if you have a full belly! There’s always the option to bring your own if possible. (I know I have on occasion!)
* Choose indulgent snacks wisely. Something as simple as one or two squares of a Lily’s chocolate bar (<3) can satisfy a craving without blowing your daily calorie intake.
These ten tips should help you stay on track and keep your “snack attacks” healthy! The photo has a few of my favorite simple, but delicious snacks and when paired with a few slices of turkey or chicken deli meat, equal perfection! #goodsnacking #moderationiskey
1) Sliced peppers or Trader Joe’s Crispbread with guacamole.
2) Cucumber slices with salsa.
3) Sliced peppers or Sprouts Organic Brown Rice Cakes with hummus.
4) Celery, apple slices or Flackers Flax Seed Crackers with Sunbutter.
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