“To snack or not to snack?” This is a question many of us ask ourselves each day when we get hungry in between meal times. The anwer: to snack!
Often people ignore their hunger signals and skip having a snack, thinking they are saving calories. In actuality, this can lead to overeating, especially at dinner time. That’s why snacking between meals can be a good thing. Not only can it help you consume less at mealtimes, but you may find that incorporating healthy snacks into your day can give you a little energy boost and the opportunity to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs.
The key to healthy snacking is all in the name; it’s supposed to be a snack; not a “ full blown meal.” To prevent breaking your calorie bank and ruining your appetite for either lunch or dinner, here are a few tips and tricks to satisfy those grumbles and keep a smile on your face.
Plan and Pack Ahead. Pack your snack either the night before or before you head out the door in the morning. If you are going to be gone the entire day pack two snacks, one to munch on between breakfast and lunch, and one to eat between lunch and dinner. Creating a plan and packing ahead will make you more likely to eat what you packed and less likely to put money in the vending machine.
Keep an Emergency Snack on Hand. It’s also a good idea to keep a snack stash in your car, your desk, or your purse in case of emergencies. After all, you never know when hunger might sneak up on you.
Remember the Number 200. When planning your snack, try to keep it around 200 calories. This amount won’t break the calorie budget, but will allow you to incorporate foods that will satisfy your hunger until the next meal. The foods you choose should also include protein, fiber, and healthy fat. By including a little bit of each of these nutrients, your body can get the most out of each snack. You’ll also be incorporating foods that satisfy your hunger and your taste buds too.
Nicole over at Health Advocation suggests eating her new found love – a Light Laughing Cow Cheese wedge with some whole wheat crackers as a healthy snack. But if cheese and crackers aren’t your thing, here are a few other snack ideas to help kick hunger to the curb!
- A handful of almonds with a few pieces of dried fruit
- Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit such as blueberries
- 1 cup of edamame sprinkled with red pepper flakes and sea salt and carrot sticks
- Celery sticks with 2 Tablespoons hummus and whole grain crackers
- Apple slices with 2 tablespoons peanut butter and cinnamon
- Low fat cottage cheese with pepper slices to dip in
What are your favorite quick and healthy snacks?
Health Advocation is a blog written and maintained by Nicole Chamberlin. Nicole is one of Around the Plate’s Healthy Eating Champions and is a member of thePlate Community. As a Healthy Eating Champion, Nicole shares her tips and tricks for wellness and her passion for leading a healthy and active life. Find other Healthy Eating Champions, Nutrition Experts, and Recipe Guru’s on our community blog network.
Great article! Love your snack ideas.