Snacking normally gets a bad rap, whether in popular culture or in everyday life. It is common to have people who constantly eat snacks as struggling with their weight, or doing so in order to deal with their emotions. Hence, snacking has always been associated with unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, thus leading to the common perception that snacking itself is bad for you.
However, as with many other things, whether snacking is bad for you or not depends on how you go about it. If you spend every moment of the day eating junk food while remaining sedentary, then this will undoubtedly lead to poor health. However, there are ways to snack healthily, which will result in you feeling even better than if you had stuck to only three meals per day.
In developed cities such as Melbourne, Australia, healthy living is becoming more of a priority. Here is how you can make proper snacking a part of your journey to a healthier you:
What constitutes a healthy snack?
As healthy lifestyles become more popular, so do the availability of healthy snacks. A rule of thumb is that for a snack to be considered healthy, it should not list sugar among its primary ingredients. Look out for food that is high in fibre and water, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. In order to feel full, the longest, pairing carbohydrates with protein is a good idea. This means going for food such as a canapé, mini sandwiches, whole wheat crackers, and yogurt.
At the same time, to ensure a healthy snacking habit, make sure that you eat just the right amount. Hence, it is advisable to portion your snacks as you are preparing them. This also ensures that you will not feel too full when it is time for your next meal, and that the amount of food you consume is spread out well throughout the day.
What benefits can have a healthy snack bring?
Having food in your stomach throughout the day ensures that you will not feel hungry as you go about your daily activities. This makes you more comfortable and less “hangry” (being angry while hungry”) and irritable throughout the day. It also helps you maintain good energy levels, thus helping you live more productively and happily.
Snacking is also a good way for weight watchers to keep themselves in check, especially if snacks are portioned properly. By ensuring that you never feel hungry, snacking during the day can help you avoid the urge to binge or overeat during mealtimes. Thus, you can properly watch your food consumption and eating habits, which is good for all aspects of your health.
What are the best practices when it comes to healthy snacking?
To ensure good snacking habits, portioning is the best way to go. This helps you avoid eating too much when you decide to eat out of the original container or packaging. It is easy to get carried away, especially if the snacks are particularly delicious. Hence, portioning them properly and storing them in different containers accordingly is one good way to keep your eating habits on track.
Of course, it is best to avoid unhealthy and fatty foods like cookies, cakes, and ice cream. While it is fine to eat these every once in a while, if you really want to eat healthy, it is best to avoid these at the grocery altogether, or to store them in places that are hard to reach. That way, you do not succumb to the temptation of unhealthy snacking.
