Thursday 27 June 2013

Snacking: Is it good or bad?

Snacking can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet, if you choose the right type of foods. Eating snacks in between your meals can actually help to reduce the amount you eat at your next meal, so you are less likely to over-eat, and it can also reduce your cravings for sweets and other junk foods.

When we are hungry, we tend to eat whatever is easy and available to us.. So if your pantry is full of sweets and high calorie processed foods, then you are more likely to snack on these in between your meals. Therefore, it is important that you have healthy alternatives available at home. Also, when out and about, it is usually difficult to find cheap and healthy snack foods around; so try to pack your own snacks and carry it in your bag wherever you go. 

Here are a few of my favourite snacks: 

  • A handful of nuts and seeds


Some people might question and say "But nuts are full of fat??". Well, yes, nuts do have a high energy content, which is why eating in moderation is important - about a handful is a good portion size. And although nuts do contain fat, it is healthy unsaturated fats which helps to lower your bad cholesterol levels. 


Nutritional differences between nuts and chips


  • A piece of fruit. Fruits are like nature's own convenience food - it's simple, easy and doesn't require preparation.



  • Yoghurt - either by itself, or topped with fruits and/or muesli



  • Muesli bar, or a nut bar. Although be aware, that some brands do have a high sugar content, so try to opt for the natural/original flavours



  • Rice cakes/corn thins. This is a highly versatile snack food as you can eat it with almost anything really. I usually would have about two pieces with a thin spread of peanut butter and chopped banana on top. You can also have it with avocado or a slice of cheese and some sliced tomatoes



Of course, there are many other healthy snack alternatives which I have not mentioned in this post.. So feel free to ask me any questions or leave me a comment with your feedback.

- Fitria.

N.B. I do not own any of these pictures. Most are taken from Google images. Feel free to source.


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