Not all snacking is bad, particularly when the food you choose is filling and nutritionally sound. MayoClinic.com recommends snacking to reduce hunger and overeating. Snacks throughout the day also provide energy for your workouts, which aid in losing weight. Stock up on the ingredients for healthy snack options so they are convenient. Discuss your diet, exercise and weight-loss plans with your doctor before making any drastic changes.
Nutritional Content
The nutritional value of your snacks affects how well they fill you up and how healthy a part of your diet they are. Look for snacks that contain whole grains to supply your body with complex carbohydrates, which give you long-lasting energy. Incorporate low-fat types of protein, like cheese and yogurt, for satisfaction. Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. They also benefits your diet because you consume a small amount of calories in a large serving. Another option for nutritional content in your snacks is a healthy source of fat, such as monounsaturated fats you'll find in nuts — though nuts can be high in calories, so eat them in moderation.
Processing
Many convenient snack foods are highly processed, which takes away the nutritional value of the ingredients. Avoid highly processed snacks like snack bars. Instead, choose whole foods when possible like fresh fruit and vegetables. Other snack options that don't typically undergo a lot of processing include yogurt, cheese and whole-grain crackers. Read the ingredients label to look for a long list of preservatives or other ingredients with which you aren't familiar. Choose snacks with shorter ingredient lists when possible.
Snack Ideas
Start your snack with a whole-grain base, like crackers, pitas, English muffins or bagels. Add a healthy spread like peanut or almond butter, low-fat cream cheese, low-fat ricotta cheese or low-sugar fruit spread. Chopped nuts, shredded vegetables or fresh fruit round out the snack. A simple fruit salad with the fruit you have on hand is another easy snack option. Pair up raw vegetables with hummus or a low-fat cream-cheese dip. Combine cream cheese, shredded vegetables and salsa inside a tortilla for a portable snack.
Snacking Tips
Keep a variety of healthy snacks on hand both at home and when you're on the go. Store nuts or trail mix in your car to avoid the temptation of convenience store snacks. Keep snacks in your desk drawer for work munchies. While snacks will help you fend off hunger, make sure you actually need to eat before snacking. Drink water regularly to avoid confusing your thirst for hunger. Track the snacks you eat to figure out which food items make you feel full longer.
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