Snacking 101

Whether it’s grabbing a granola bar on the way out the door or enjoying a mid-afternoon slice of toast, snacking is a normal part of the American diet nowadays. But why do we snack? And how can we make snacks part of a healthy diet?

Why Do We Snack?

There are lots of reasons why people snack. Some people believe that frequently eating small meals and snacks can provide several health benefits and may boost metabolism. Other people enjoy snacking because they feel more energized if they eat more than the standard three meals a day.

Of course, many of us snack because we are physically hungry. Maybe we’ve eaten a smaller lunch or prefer eating smaller portions throughout the day, so we choose to eat something in the afternoon a couple of hours before making dinner. We may also find ourselves snacking out of boredom, because we’re tired, or as part of a social event with our friends and family.

Healthy Snack Ideas

It’s always handy to have healthy foods available to eat on the go or in between your main meals. This will stop you from breaking open a chocolate bar or indulging in high-fat cakes and pastries.

Baking your own snacks can be a great way to ensure the foods you eat are healthy, nutritious, and filling. If you have limited time for baking, there are some great shop-bought options too.

Here are some simple snack ideas that are full of nutrition and will keep you satisfied until your next meal.

• Homemade granola bars
• Raw vegetables and hummus
• Greek yogurt with berries and walnuts
• Chia pudding
• Apple and almond butter
• Wholegrain crackers with avocado
• Protein shake
• Hard boiled eggs