10 Tips for Smart Snacking
For most of us, not a day goes by without snacking on our favorite munchies. Snacks are an important part of our day and with a little bit of conscious effort, we can cut off on a lot of calories we tend to pile up because of unregulated snacking. Here is a list of tips that can help you snack smarter:
Pack it Up
Carrying your own perfectly-portioned snack packs can go a long way in making sure you don’t overeat. This way, you can also pack a few veggies, fruits and even homemade munchies and save you money and health.
Bowl is best
Going at it straight from the bag might be easier and effortless, but, it might make you munch on more than you need. Lay your snacks out on bowls and plates so you’ll know exactly how much you’re eating.
Shorten the Gaps
Snacking often sounds like a very unhealthy habit, but, on the contrary, snacking on small portions at short intervals can keep hunger pangs at bay and stop you from mindless nibbling. Make a schedule and indulge in a little every time.
Go nuts
Munching on unsalted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, cashews, hazelnuts, etc, can be highly beneficial because of the nutrients and their ability to fill you up easily. Remember to keep portion sizes small since nuts have a lot of calories.
Baked is better
When it comes to smart snacking, baked foods beat fried foods any day of the week. They have much lesser oil comparatively and hence make for a healthier option. Light seasoned baked veggies and fruits aren’t just healthy, but delicious too.
Be mindful
Always be mindful of what and how much you eat. It is incredibly easy to overeat a snack during a movie or while watching TV. Avoid the unnecessary weight gain by snacking while you’re not distracted, and if that sounds difficult, snack on something healthy and non-fattening while you binge-watch.
Slower wins
Not just in the story, but, also in snacking. Chewing your munchies slowly and thoroughly, taking your time with it is. It is said to help you feel full longer since it sends signals to your brain that you’re eating more than you actually are, so you stop sooner.
Wholegrain never fails
Among all the bags of snacks slapped with “multigrain” on the front, try to fish out the ones that say “wholegrain” instead. They are packed with energy and vital nutrients and are much healthier to add to your snacking routine.
Know your grains
Everything you need to know to decide on the health factor of a snack in on its back. Read the ingredient and nutrient list thoroughly before you drop it in your cart. This could be a life-changing habit for any packaged food products you’re buying off the shelf.
Protein power
Protein-rich snacks are packed with energy and help you stay fuller for longer periods of time. This is because they break down more slowly than carbohydrates, and keeps you away from junk foods that you normally go for during untimely hunger pangs.
Use these snacking tips to make you snack routine healthier and smarter than ever.