The “snack attack” is a food phenomenon we’re pretty much all familiar with. It happens to the best of us despite our good intentions! One moment, we’re going about our daily business. The next, we’re faced with sudden hunger and an appetite we can’t tame.
The Tricky Business with Snacks
Did you know that about 91 percent of Americans snack daily? That means that most of us are grabbing snacks – and we’re also grabbing them more often.
Snacks are often plagued with a bad reputation. It isn’t easy to grab the healthiest item available when you’re pressed for time or looking for a quick bite. If not chosen strategically, snacks are often loaded with calories, fat, sugar and salt. For this reason, they keep us coming back for more – and a quick snack can easily turn into grazing.
Tips for Overcoming the Snack Attack
There’s nothing wrong with snacks, so long as we have the right tools in hand! That means having a plan in place to get us through those moments when hunger strikes.
Consider these tips for overcoming the snack attack:
Keep Healthy Snacks in Sight
Don’t bury healthy food items at the back of your refrigerator or pantry! Keep them in plain sight by putting them where you are more likely to see them. This might even include a healthy snack bowl on your counter or table.
Take Your Snacks with You
Think ahead and carry a small lunch box or snack pack for when you’re on-the-go. This way, you’re less likely to turn to the snack aisle of the grocery store or stop at a drive-thru.
Keep it Whole and Healthy
Brainstorming healthy snack foods is half the battle. Consider items such as whole grain crackers, low-fat cheeses, fruits, veggies, humus, yogurt, low-sodium nuts, flavored rice cakes, pretzels, dried fruit and granola.
Excel at Breakfast and Lunch
Poor meals can leave us feeling hungry and fatigued throughout the day. Curb your appetite by ensuring you eat healthy, satisfying meals for breakfast and lunch. You won’t feel the need to indulge later on!
Drink Plenty of Water
We often confuse thirst for hunger, and end up eating food when our body doesn’t need it. To keep this from happening, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you regulate hunger and stay hydrated.
Stay Mindful When You’re Snacking
When you decide it’s time to snack, pay special attention to where you are, what you’re doing and how your body feels. You’ll be less likely to overeat and choose food items that don’t do much for you in the way of nutrition.
Want More Information about Healthy Snacking?
Don’t let snacks unravel your entire weight management plan! There’s a strategy to snacking in a healthy manner. Stay armed with additional tools and tips by CLICKING HERE.
