Be Healthy With Your Snacking
By Donna Stark
One of the first rules you learn as a parent is to never leave the house without a snack for your child. Heading to the mall? Pack a snack. Running to a doctor appointment? Pack a snack. Even if you are taking your child to the park and know that they will be playing for the majority of the time, it's a good idea to pack a snack. An excursion without a snack can quickly turn from happy and fun to end-of-times apocalypse screaming on a dime -- and nobody wants that. Fortunately, most of us outgrow the tantrums when a snack isn't available and life goes on pretty smoothly, but that also doesn't mean that we outgrow the desire to have a snack.
Snacking the Right Way
We are a nation of snackers ... just walk through any grocery store and you will be able to see how true that statement really is. From healthy, to kind of healthy, to not healthy at all, we are certainly not limited when it comes to snacks, which is why it is important to be smart about what we snack on, how often we take those breaks to have a snack, and why we are even pulled to that vending machine in the first place. Because to put it bluntly, hunger is rarely the reason that we are grabbing the Twinkie out of the wrapper. Let's take a look at how to limit the snacking and make it healthier for everyone in your family.
- Eat a healthy breakfast - Start your morning with a healthy breakfast that is packed with protein, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. Skip the sweets and carb-filled options and choose foods such as oatmeal, eggs, avocado, and fruit instead.
- Time your snacks - You can't skip meals to do this because you will end up being too hungry, but try to wait at least an hour and a half after breakfast and two hours after lunch before you reach for that snack.
- Limit the sugar - Choose snacks that are low in sugar and high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Read the labels before you buy an item at the grocery store. Many things that look healthy have hidden sugars in them!
- Choose raw - Fruit and vegetables are great, but only if you steer clear of the dips, dressings, and sugary toppings. After all, they're sweet enough on their own and you don't need those extra empty calories!
- Drink your water - Many times, when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty instead. Stay hydrated and be sure to drink the recommended daily amount of water for your weight.
Better Snacking for Overall Health
Modifying your snacking habits for better health isn't as hard as it may seem. The key is to learn how to snack responsibly on quality food that gives your body the nutrition it needs to thrive and that keeps the tantrums at bay.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.