Is Healthy Snacking Important?
Yes! Here is why...
It is no secret that snacking has developed a questionable and even bad reputation. However, not all snacks are created equally - The type of snack consumed is what really matters at the end of the day. The average American eats 2.2 snacks per day and can consume up to one-quarter of their total calories from snacks, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
For big snack eaters, that can have a big impact on health. Snacking on junk food can lead to weight gain and other health problems, but healthy snacks can have great benefits!
Increases Nutrient Intake
The average American diet lacks at incorporating all recommended food groups, especially fruits and vegetables. For individuals that struggle with incorporating fruits or vegetables in every meal, having these foods for snacks can help meet the recommended levels of these and every other food group.
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Prevents Overeating at Meal Time
Having a healthy snack in between meals can help with keeping your hunger at a manageable level. This is particularly helpful when lunch time or dinner time roll around, you aren’t so famished that you completely overeat, consuming more calories than needed or recommended.
Sustains Energy Levels
As a society, we are busy, stressed, and sometimes have poor eating habits. All of these increase our chances of having low energy levels. One way to improve our energy levels is by eating better. The right combinations of food can help give a much needed boost throughout the day. For example, snacks that have lean protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates provide lasting energy.
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Promotes Better Focus
Are you able to focus on anything other than your stomach growling when you're hungry? Not surprising. That's because food plays a very important role in helping our brain function at its optimum level. While focusing on our work, our body breaks down glucose to create energy for our brain to work. Healthy snacking while at work will give the added energy needed to keep you awake and focused while working.
Balances Blood Sugar
When our blood sugar levels drop, we can experience symptoms such as feeling tired, weak, or shaky. Healthy snacks can prevent our blood sugar levels from dropping too much between meals. Snacks high fiber and high protein in particular are slow to digest, which will prevent fluctuation of blood sugar levels.
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Can Save Time & Money
It may not seem like it, but preparing snacks ahead of time will save on time and money, especially when you need something quick to throw in your backpack or lunchbox. This helps to avoid the extra time and money spent in drive thru lines and also avoiding spending money on vending machine foods, which are typically high in sugar and low in protein and fiber.