Stock up on Healthy Snacks!

By Leo Gil, Summer Intern

Snacking is a relatively new practice that held little to no meaning a few decades ago, but since the introduction of social media and the constant flood of new technology, now everyone is eating on the move. It seems like the tradition of sitting at the table and eating three large meals a day is slowly being replaced by smaller, ‘on-the-go’ meals. On the plus side, this timesaving way of eating is actually more beneficial than the traditional ‘three square meals a day’ recommendation that your grandparents swore by.

Now, when we say ‘on-the-go’ meals we’re not talking about fast food, crisps or those double-stuffed cookies beckoning you from the grocery store aisle. We’re talking about raw nuts, juicy fruit, creamy protein shakes and crisp vegetables. When you snack on these wholesome foods you give your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best, which is important for weight loss.

Primary Benefits of Snacking:

1.       Helps prevent extreme hunger and overeating
When we don’t eat regularly throughout the day we become so hungry that when we finally do eat, it’s hard for us to tell the difference between what our bodies want and what they actually need. This leads to overeating. Snacking every 3-4 hours helps fight the tendency to overeat because it prevents extreme hunger[1].

2.       Assists in balancing blood sugar levels
Balancing your blood sugar levels is essential for weight loss. Since our blood sugar levels dip every 3-5 hours after we eat, it’s important to eat more frequently to prevent this, and keep our blood sugar levels stable.[2] Snacking assists with maintaining a fast metabolism[3], which is crucial for weight management.

3.       Provides long-lasting energy
Eating small meals throughout the day can reduce energy slumps.[4]According to Harvard Health Publications, “this approach can reduce your perception of fatigue because your brain, which has very few energy reserves of its own, needs a steady supply of nutrients”[5]. As long as you choosehealthy foods, regular snacking can help keep you awake and alert —preventing the dreaded ‘midday slump’. So, what are you waiting for? Get snacking!