We all know that healthy eating is important, however when you are at work or out and about it can be difficult to not succumb to snacking outside of meal times.
I need to snack at times, especially in between breakfast and lunch (I do wake up at 5.15am and therefore eat a lot earlier than most people). Often just a little preparation can keep you satisfied with healthy options. Here is my three step formula of how to snack in a positive way.
Distract yourself
If it has only been a few hours since a meal then it may be that you are just bored and therefore are reaching out for a snack to pass the time. I have been guilty of this in the past; my first step is to find something to occupy myself with.
Dig out that to-do list
If you have nothing urgent to deal with then make a list of what you want to achieve that day. This has another bonus because it will save you time in the day as it cuts indecision from your day. Now you have the list, get cracking!
If you really don’t have anything that needs doing or aren’t in the mood to write lists, then go for a walk. This is a good way of beating the craving, as well as getting you moving. Make sure your walk lasts for at least twenty minutes.
Drink some water
Sometimes you can mistake thirst for hunger, so make sure you always have a bottle of water to hand. Drink a large glass of water and then wait at least ten minutes before grabbing a snack.
Pick a healthy snack
If your stomach is rumbling, after distracting yourself and having a glass of water then have a healthy snack. This is where you need a bit of preparation. Make sure you keep some healthy snacks in your desk at work, in your personal bag and in the boot of your car. This means you are unlikely to be caught out hungry and forced to buy a packet of crisps/ bar of chocolate.
Not eating when you’re hungry is believed to lead your body into “starvation mode” meaning that fat becomes stubborn and harder to shift. Also depriving yourself of food is likely to mean you will drop a healthy lifestyle because it seems too difficult. I have my doubts about starvation mode being activated, however I think it is just better to eat when hungry as deprivation is just not what I am about.
So what is a healthy snack? I have put a list together of the things I snack on for your benefit.
Fresh fruit (apples, pears, strawberries, plums, Sharon fruit, melon, kiwi fruit, pineapple, get some variety- DON’T eat the same thing everyday)
Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, cranberries, mango, pineapple, figs)
Nuts and seeds (brazil nuts, cashew nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
Snack sized sandwiches (always make your own sandwiches; I make bite sized ones for break time. I like to use wholemeal bread and plenty of salad with humus)
DIY Smoothie (make your own smoothies and take with you in a bottle; I like green smoothies which have a mix of kale, pineapple, apples and whatever fruit I have to hand)
Snacking is not a bad habit as long as you eat something appropriate. Stay away from processed foods, coffee and sugary foods. You will only feel more tired once the energy rush goes, and they’re not good for your teeth!