Snacksbrare a common aspect of most Americans’ daily diets. Although you may feel likebrstealing nibbles between meals is a guilt-worthy offense, making smart snackingbrchoices can actually contribute to a healthy eating plan. brbrbrbr
Accordingbrto a recent survey conducted by ORC International, snacking is as American asbrapple pie. Nearly all Americans (98 percent) have snacked at least once in thebrlast two weeks, and the majority consumes one to two snacks every day.
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Youbrmay be surprised to learn that these habits are actually supported by leadingbrhealth experts. According to staff at The Mayo Clinic, most well-planned dietsbrallow for snacks between meals to help fight hunger. Numerous other expertsbradvocate snacks as a way to manage food intake throughout the day, which keepsbryour metabolism running strong and helps you avoid over-eating at any one meal.
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Ifbryou’re like the majority of participants in the recent snacking survey, calories,brportability and nutritional content, such as protein and fiber, are topbrconsiderations when choosing a snack.
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Moderationbrand balance are also important to successful snacking. To be sure you’re neverbrcaught without a smart snacking option, consider these snacking survival tips:
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- Lookbrfor snacks that combine food groups for an extra nutrition punch. For example,brpair a low-fat dairy product, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, with fresh fruitbrfor a tasty and satisfying treat.
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- Don’tbrsacrifice calories for convenience. Many on-the-go bars are loaded with sugarbrand lack overall nutrition, but there are smart alternatives. Baked with piecesbrof real fruit and non-genetically modified ground whole soybeans, SOYJOY®bris an all-natural, certified gluten-free snack bar available in seven deliciousbrflavors. Each bar offers the perfect combination of carbohydrates, plant-basedbrprotein and fiber for only 130-140 calories.
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- Whenbryou need a little more to fill you up, opt for high-fiber and high-water foods.brThese options let you eat more volume without loading up the calories. Fruitsbrand vegetables, whole grains and nuts are all good choices when you’re feelingbrextra hungry. Try 1/2 cup shelled edamame for a convenient, high-fiber snack.
- Keepbrquick, low-calorie snacks on hand. A large apple, three and a half cups ofbrpopcorn or a large handful of almonds (about 23) are all under 150 calories.brThe key is doing the math and measuring ahead of time so you’re not tempted tobrmake a less healthy choice when you’re crunched for time and hunger strikes.
- Managebryour sweet tooth with better-for-you snack options. Every diet has room forbrindulgences once in a while, but save those for special occasions. When you’rebrcraving something sweet, fruit can often appease your taste buds. Reach forbrfrozen bananas, grapes or even a baked apple sprinkled with cinnamon.
brbrbrbrFor more delicious snacking tips and recipes,brvisit www.soyjoy.com, like SOYJOY on Facebook and followbr@SOYJOYUS on Twitter.
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