When it comes to snacking, there is a lot of conflicting advice on offer. This is partly because many people will associate snacks with fatty and sugary foods like crisps, chocolate, and sweets. Ruining diets and unravelling results achieved by regular exercise and healthy eating, snacks have gained a bad name on the health and fitness scene. However, at The Health Lodge, we truly believe that snacking can be an integrated part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
For those who have ever attempted a low-calorie restrictive diet, you have probably realised that completely refusing yourself snacks is not realistically achievable.
This is because, as humans, we tend to get hungry every few hours. If you have not planned for this hunger, you may end up overcompensating by eating more at your next meal, or resorting to quick-fix sugar highs such as chocolate.
Perhaps surprisingly, snacking between meals can actually help to reduce your overall calorie intake. Instead of feeling ravenous when it comes to lunch and piling masses of food on to your plate, a mid-morning or afternoon snack may help to improve portion control.
Snacking can also give you little energy boosts throughout the day, that help to keep your blood sugar stable and consequently your mind and body at optimum capacity. A long day at work or school can be broken up nicely by healthy snacks, providing you with the energy needed to be fully engaged and committed to your daily activities.
What Types of Food Should I Snack On?
The best snack foods (no, unfortunately not cake!) are nutrient dense, filling and easy to prepare. The following list of wholesome snacks could help you to curb your hunger pangs throughout the day, and eventually reap the benefits of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
- A fruit salad sprinkled with nuts or chia seeds never gets boring and can actually be a great way to fill you up, improve your digestion and ensure you are consuming enough vitamins and minerals. This is also a good way to achieve your recommended five-a-day.
- Raw vegetables such as carrots, cucumber or celery can be cut into sticks and dipped into low-fat hummus for a tasty and healthy snack. These are particularly good for children’s lunchboxes as they keep well and take little preparation.
- Air-popped popcorn with no added sugar, salt or butterscotch, is high in fibre and low in calories. This makes popcorn a good substitute for crisps, which are notorious for their unhealthy levels of saturated fat and salt.
- Plain Greek yoghurt is packed full of protein that can build strong muscles, bones, skin and hair. If you fancy something a bit sweeter, try adding a drizzle of honey or cinnamon, mixed in with chopped up fruit. A perfect healthy alternative to sweets or chocolate!
At The Health Lodge, we offer Nutritional Counselling services individually tailored to improve your diet and overall lifestyle. For more information, contact us today.