Trying to live a healthy lifestyle can include many different tactics. Exercise, mental health, budgeting, planning, setting, and social wellness all play a part of our health. Healthy eating is also a high priority for some people looking to improve their wellbeing. When thinking about eating healthier one can think of dieting to help them lose weight. Proper nutrition can definitely help someone control their weight. Eating responsibly may sound like a challenge. You can eat appropriately for your body without being hungry all of the time. Snacking is a helpful way to eat healthier while not making you feel starved throughout your day.
Healthy and low calorie snacks can have many benefits such as; controlling your appetite which in turn can help you eat less overall, adding important nutrients in your body and can provide you with the energy you need to make it through to your next meals. The best snacks should consist of at least two food groups. Fruits and protein, vegetables and grains or protein and grains all make for well rounded snacks.
If you need a few examples of great, two food group snacks, here are a few;
- Banana on whole-wheat toast with a sparkle of cinnamon
- Sliced apple with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter
- One orange with ¼ cup of almonds
- Hummus with whole wheat crackers or baby carrots
- Yogurt (non-dairy works just as well) and sliced strawberries
Snacking can be a healthy source of nutrients while you are trying to improve your lifestyle. Be careful not to over do snacking and turn it into a meal. This may cause you to overeat throughout your day. If snack time does turn into a meal, then just make your next meal time a snack. Listen to your body and your doctor on what kind of or amount of snacking, if any, is right for you.