Are Snacks Healthy?

 
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A question I’ve been getting a lot from my clients lately has been in regards to whether or not eating snacks is a necessary practice. Is it truly necessary?

To which I would say…it depends!

Just like many things when it comes to the topic of nutrition & health, eating everything in moderation is a key practice. More specifically, snacks are meant to be a food that fuels us when we’re feeling low and that curb our hunger at the more busy periods within our days ─ which is why it’s always important to remember that snacks are intended to be just a snack, not the substitue for an entire meal.

Want to learn more? Find out why in this month’s myth buster about snacking & our metabolism.

What is a healthy snack?

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Make sure to include 1 source of protein

Protein helps to promote satiety, so that we feel just full enough to keep us going until our very next meal!

Food sources include: almonds, nuts, seeds, cheese, milk, yogurt, peanut buter, hummus and yogurt-based dip.

Include a second food group

Carbs are our friend. Let it do its job to properly fuel you!

Food sources include: fruits, dried fruits, veggies, crudités, crackers, toast and pita.

My favourite snack combos*

  1. Roasted garlic hummus + carrots

  2. Rosemary crackers + cheese + grapes

  3. Wasabi peas + bell peppers

How to choose a healthy snack

how to read a nutrition label

Not too salty, not to sweet

Choose snack items that are low in sodium, low in saturated and trans fats, and that are free of any added sugars.

Short ingredient list

The ingredients found at the bottom of the nutrition label are listed by order of weight. Choose wisely!

Natural ingredients

As a general rule, choose a snack that use ingredients that you can both recognize and pronounce.

My favourite ready-made snacks*

Snacks using simple ingredients

My personal joy comes from finding fun ways to make use of my pantry items to cook up some delicious and homemade snacks for everyone in the family to enjoy! Here are some my favourite type of kitchen creations.

a) Cereal

bowl of cereal

Some simple snack ideas using cereal (to eat with fruits & yogurt) :

  • Cereal bars

  • Parfaits

  • Trail mix

My favourite breakfast cereals*

b) Crackers

crackers

Some simple snack ideas using crackers

  • Sweet bites (peanut butter & fruit)

  • Savoury bites (cheese & cucumber)

  • Fancy bites (cream cheese & smoked salmon)

My favourite crackers*

c) Trail mix

trail mix

Some simple snack ideas using trail mix

  • Energy balls

  • Popcorn trail mix

  • Granola bars

My favourite trail mixes*

*Please note that these are not ads/sponsors for these products, just my personal preferences and recommendations!

Source(s):

 
Laura NguyenComment