Although having three or four chocolate cupcakes between two meals is not such a great idea for maintaining a healthy weight, having smart, balanced and healthy snacks can be quite beneficial. But then again, what kinds of snacks are good for you? And why are they important? Here are some answers.
Importance of Healthy Snacks for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Keeps Hunger Under Control
Having healthy snacks between meals will prevent you from getting too hungry. Probably the best snack option is fruit, but not just any fruit. Bananas, grapes, and figs contain too much sugar, so avoid those. Instead, take an orange, some pineapple or an apple. Also, fruit containing high amounts of water, like melon or cherries will do fine. You can even take some low-fat yogurt or a fistful of nuts. They will act as a nice bridge between your meals. You won’t feel the need to reach for unhealthy and high-calorie snacks. Plus you’ll probably eat less at your next meal, which will take you a notch higher towards maintaining a healthy weight.
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Controls Blood Sugar
All the food you eat is converted into glucose in your body, and as long as the glucose levels are in order, you’ll feel fine. As the glucose levels drop, you start craving for food, usually sweets. Then your body starts panicking and turning the sugars from your food into fat. Basically, the body thinks it could starve, so it saves the fat for later… mostly in your stomach, hips, and thighs, of course. Your blood sugar drops, stress hormones get released and you get nervous, reaching for more food. So, in order to prevent all this, have a whole-grain cracker or two about two hours before or after the main meal.
Enables Constant Nutrient Intake
Healthy snacks are a great way to provide essential nutrients to your body. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber and vitamins C and A, which are great for your immunity. If you choose low-fat dairies, they will get you the proteins and calcium that you need for healthy skin, muscles, bones, and hair. Whole grains contain carbohydrates and fiber, and as for fats, the healthy ones can be found in nuts and avocados among others, so have some from time to time, to maintain heart and brain health, as well as to keep you grounded on maintaining a healthy weight.
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Controls your Weight
When on a diet, instead of having calorie-loaded meals, you should have a smaller, lighter meal every three to five hours. Keep your meals balanced, avoid processed foods like pastries and sweets and try to stay on top of things by preparing everything fresh on a daily basis. If your schedule is too busy for you to cook every day, make larger batches of food and store them in your fridge or freezer.
Invest in good food containers, as well as quality kitchen appliances which will make meal preparation simpler, such as a good microwave. High-quality brands like Bosch offer them in a whole range of prices and with a variety of options. And as long as you keep your meals light, and have them at about four hours apart, you should always have some healthy snacks nearby to keep hunger at bay which could lead to overeating. These snacks will also keep you from reaching for the unhealthy snack options, such as chips, candy or fast food, which can make it hard when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.
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Keeps You Focused
If you view food as fuel for your body, it’s clear that having a healthy snack at the right time can help you get through the day and perform any of your tasks, whether you’re at the office or at school. Your concentration drops along with your energy, so a snack can boost your focus, performance, and ability to process information, as well as stay in a good mood since being hungry can make you irritable and even somewhat cranky. Some hummus or a low-calorie energy bar will do wonders for your concentration and attitude, lifting your spirit between meals.
Snacking can be a good thing, but always make sure they’re healthy snacks, that you eat them because you’re actually hungry, and not because you are just bored. If you keep the above reasons in mind, your health will easily benefit and you will be on your way to maintaining a healthy weight.
About the Author
Diana Smith is a full-time mom of two beautiful girls interested in the latest fashion and beauty hacks. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.
