How to Make Snacks a Healthy Part of Your Life

Everyone's eating habits are different. Some of us eat our three squares a day, others 6 small mini meals, or 3 meals with snacks throughout the day. There is no right or wrong way to eat. But some folks view snacking as a bad thing. The problem with snacking is that it is often done without planning and therefore most people choose unhealthy foods to snack on or eat more than they need to. But if you plan ahead and make smart choices about the foods you eat, snacks can make a healthy addition to your diet, stave off over eating, and help you meet vitamin and mineral needs. Here are some tips on how to make snacks a healthy part of your diet.

One. Snacks are a great way to add variety to your diet and taste buds. Its an opportunity to try new foods in small quantities that you may not eat at a meal, such as whole grain crackers with almond butter or celery sticks dipped in salsa. Snacks are also a great way to meet your five a day needs for fruits and vegetables. Fruits already come in snack size portions and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. You never feel guilty crunching down on an apple or peeling an orange.

Two. Try to limit snacks to when you are truly hungry. Some of the major issues with snacking is that it is done mindlessly out of boredom or frustration. Often people look to food to solace feelings, instead try stretching or taking a walk to make yourself feel better. Eat only when you are hungry, not to make you feel better.

Three. Plan your snacks. If snacks are planned ahead as part of your days intake you are better able to manage calories. Maybe you take the fruit you were going to have with your cereal and eat it as a mid-morning snack or save cup of yogurt at lunch for your mid-afternoon break. Planning ahead also helps decrease the temptation to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar from the vending machine.

Four. Portion your snacks. A snack should consist of only 100-200 calories. So don't eat from the box, but place your crackers in a small bowl and put the box away. Or better yet, stick with foods that are already pre-portioned like fresh fruit, light yogurt, or even the 100 calorie packs of snacks now available.

Five. Plan ahead. Try to always keep healthy snack foods on hand. Keep your kitchen stocked with fresh fruits, baby carrots, grape tomatoes, whole grain crackers, portioned low fat cheese and yogurt.