Even health conscious adults like us can succumb to snack ‘disasters’. These 12 Healthy Snacking Tips will help you stay on the healthy snacking path!
Whenever my granddaughters come over for a visit, I just know that Emma, who is almost 2, is going to need a nap. Right about then is when Olivia, 3, and I will sneak outside for a snack and a little bonding time. We like to sit in the backyard to watch the dogs play or the birds fly overhead.
Olivia isn’t a big eater, but she eats all day long. Because of that, it’s important for her to eat healthy snacks. With all of the ‘junk food’ available these days, it’s tempting to grab cookies or candy to satisfy her hunger. Thank goodness for Green Giant™ Roasted Veggie Tortilla Chips. They’re made with real vegetables, have 0 trans fat and 18g of whole grains, clearly a healthier option than regular chips.
- Keep cut-up fruits and veggies in the fridge for snacking on the go.
- If you expect to be in the car for more than an hour, take an energy bar with you in case you get hungry.
- Put your snacks on a plate or in a bowl. You’re more likely to eat more if you snack right out of the bag.
- Drink plenty of water. Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger.
- Stay clear of trans fat, found in junk foods like cookies and chips, that can put you at risk for heart disease. {Green Giant Veggie Snacks have zero!}
- Try going for a walk. Study shows that a brisk 15-min walk can curb sweet tooth cravings.
- Eat more slowly. It gives your body more time to process snacks and helps keep you from overeating.
- Multitasking while you eat can make you eat more. “If your mind is preoccupied with something else, it may not receive the ‘I’m full!’ signals that help regulate food intake,” says Kathy McManus, R.D., director of nutrition at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
- Plan what you eat. You don’t have to make a full-blown menu, but make a point to eat 3 meals and 2-3 100 calorie snacks.
- Look for “hydrogenated” oils—it’s code for trans fats. The FDA allows companies to claim their products have zero grams of trans fat if they contain less than half a gram per serving, so be smart about what you’re buying. {Green Giant Veggie Tortilla Chips are free and clear!}
- Choose snacks that are higher in protein. They’ll keep you fuller longer and save you calories in the long run.
- Choose variety. Having a broad range of fruit, veggies, nuts and grains can keep you from getting board with healthy options.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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