Snack Your Way to Better Health: Yes, It Can Be Done!
By Genevieve Cunningham
Who doesn't love a good snack? We all do! Snacking satisfies a need within us, and it's not always a physical need. Though we sometimes need a snack because we're truly hungry and need energy, we also snack to keep routines, to fill the time, and to be social. While most snacking is really no big deal, too much snacking -- or the wrong kind of snacking -- can be bad for our health. If you want to enjoy your snack foods without worrying about your long-term health and well-being, take a look at these tips for snacking your way to better health instead.
Plan Ahead
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Have you heard this saying before? This is especially true when it comes to food. If you don't know when you're going to snack and exactly what you're going to eat, you're far more likely to head for fast food, the vending machine, or another unhealthy (quick and easy) option. Make sure your snacks are literally planned into your day. Count the calories in your daily consumption. Buy them ahead of time and keep them somewhere easy to grab and go. Simply planning your snacks beforehand can make a big difference in the quality and quantity of what you eat.
Improve Your Meals
If you find that you're starving mid-morning or mid-afternoon, it might be time to take a good look at your meals. What does this have to do with snacking? If your meals aren't filling and nutritious, you may find yourself overeating during snack time. Are your meals healthy? Do they contain protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables? Or are your meals lacking in nutritious value? The better meals you can create, the more you can satisfy your hunger and resist the urge to eat unhealthy snacks in between.
Avoid Triggers
Sometimes we eat due to boredom or emotions. It's how we cope. If this is you, it's so important to find your triggers and avoid them. It can also help to find other ways to deal with big, heavy emotions. Breathing exercises, exercise, meditation -- all of these can take the place of emotional snacking, and they're all much better for your health!
Can you still snack? Yes, absolutely! But it's important to snack on purpose. It's important to choose wisely and manage snacking just like the rest of your diet. Use these tips to get a handle on your snacking habits, and you'll be able to improve your diet and health right away.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.