Why Snacking Makes Sense

While growing up, you may have heard that snacking would spoil your dinner. Perhaps mom didn’t know best on this one.

Multiple studies have shown that it makes sense to snack. For starters, if you eat three smaller meals and three snacks daily you will find your energy level and blood sugar stable throughout the day. This will also provide the extra energy you need for exercise and to avoid the midday slump. You will provide yourself with more opportunities to ensure that you get a balanced diet. You will also find that your metabolism begins to speed up.

One of the first challenges I see in my clients who seek weight loss, typically, is they aren’t eating enough to keep their metabolism humming along. When you limit your food intake, your body doesn’t know when its next meal is coming and automatically slows your metabolism. By eating three meals a day and three snacks, you tend to eat smaller portions at mealtime. You just about guarantee that you won’t experience excessive hunger, eliminating the possibility of overheating based on being over hungry. This can actually lead to weight loss.

Here are some healthy snacks to help you out:

• String cheese
• Fruit
• Protein bars under 200 calories
• 8 ounces of skim milk
• 4 ounces cottage cheese mixed with salsa and 1 ounce of tortilla chips
• A handful of almonds with dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons hummus and vegetables
• 1 cup low sugar, dry cereal
• Sliced apples and peanut butter
• Hard-boiled egg

What are your favorite healthy snacks?