How to Cut Back on Unhealthy Snacks
By Genevieve Cunningham
Snacking is the healthy diet’s worst enemy. Actually, perhaps it’s not the snacking in particular, but rather the choices that we all make regarding snacks. If you’re a raw veggie snacker, you’re way ahead of the game. As for the rest of us … it’s likely that our snacking habits could use a little work. If you’re ready to turn your diet around for the better starting with snacks, take a look at these tips for throwing out the bad and bringing in the good.
Throw Them Out of the Kitchen
Sometimes the best approach is cold turkey. Have terrible snacking habits? Go into the kitchen, grab a trash bag, and just throw them out. This gets them out of sight and out of mind, and it also forces you to reach for whatever is left, which hopefully includes some much healthier options. This won’t work for everyone, but for those who are ready, it’s a great way to clear things out and start completely fresh.
Replace Them With Something Healthier
It’s the old repeal and replace … except this one really works! If you have a terrible habit of reaching for something calorie packed, replace it with something on the healthier side. You do not have to go from potato chips to celery, as this likely won’t work or last very long. But you might try to go from potato chips to a veggie chip to plain old veggies. Baby step yourself from super unhealthy to better and better until you’re satisfied with the choices available in your cabinet.
Reduce Snacking as a Whole
Another great option is to simply cut back on all snacking. Some people are great snackers. They know just how much to eat, and they never take it overboard. The rest of us struggle a little. We reach for the right amount … the first time. But we can never stop at just one. If you want to cut back on the unhealthy snacks, perhaps the best course of action is to cut back on snacking completely. Measure out portions in the morning, and do not allow yourself to reach back in the bag for any extra.
There’s no doubt that unhealthy snacks can wreak havoc on health and fitness goals. But getting control of snacking habits is one of the toughest parts of eating a well balanced diet. Use these tips to slowly but surely transform those snacking habits into something healthier. With some time and diligence, you’ll have a handle on snacking and on your diet and health as a whole.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.