Untold Facts About Snacks on Our Health

By Nwosu Azubuike Kanayo

Snacking is generally not good for the health. This I know is a fact that is untold about snacks on our health. The good news is that you can learn to control this snacking quite easily. Also, even if you still want to snack during the day, there are ways in which you can do so without killing your healthy diet. Staying on track with your diet when you like to snack might be hard, but it is worth that extra effort because it keeps your body healthy and lively.

In order to prevent snacking, simply eat more meals. Instead of eating three large meals every day, try eating smaller meals every few hours. If you are snacking because you are hungry, chances are that you are using more energy than you are taking in and you need the extra fuel. By eating 6 smaller but healthy meals everyday, you will not be tempted to snack very often, but will keep your energy level high.

You can also learn to stop your snacking simply by removing temptation. Before you reach for a snack ask yourself if you are honestly hungry or if you are just eating because you are bored, because the food tastes good, or because you feel compelled to eat when doing a certain activity (like watching a movie). If you are snacking because you are really hungry, then it is probably fine to have something to eat, but if you are snacking for another reason, you should try to remove the temptation. Simply rid your house of junk foods and do not buy these items again when you go to the grocery store.

But if you must, purchase healthy snacks. Think about the snacks you are eating. Would they fit easily into a food group as fruits, vegetable, grain, dairy or protein? If the answer is no, then the snack is not probably good for you. For example, carrot sticks (vegetables), yoghurt (dairy), or whole wheat crackers (grains) work well as snacks, while candy, potato chips, and processed foods do not. This I know is a fact that should be untold. This means that you have to try to purchase healthy snacks.

Remember, when you snack consider your beverages as well. Drinks like soda, fruit punch, iced tea, lemonade, and juice boxes can contain unnatural ingredients and lots of sugar. In short, they are high in calories but low in nutrients. Instead, opt for drinks that supplement your healthy diet. Choose water most of the time or drinks that are made with natural fruits, like apple juice. Low-fat milk and sports drinks are also good choices. Above all, stay away from most kind of alcohol. Red wine is an exception since it can help your heart health, but any type of alcohol in high amounts is fairly bad for your body due to some little unhealthy contents.