Snack Attack!

By: Brad Stewart
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We're bored. We're stressed. Our tummies are starting to rumble; dinner is still far in the distance. The snack attack comes in many forms, and for many reasons. Recent studies have shown that 64% of Americans say they snack at least once a day. We should always combat that urge to snack because snacking is unhealthy, right? Quite the contrary. Many nutritionists agree that snacking can be quite healthy for you. One, two, or even three snacks a day keeps your energy high, your metabolism working efficiently, blood sugar steady, and hunger in check. The way we snack and the reasons we have for choosing that snack may make all the difference.
It is important to pay attention to our personal reasons for wanting a snack. Are we truly hungry, are we being health conscious, or are we eating because we are bored, driving, needing more stimulation, upset, or stressed out? If you can really resonate with the latter two reasons, you may want to ask yourself if there is something else you might want to do that would more effectively help alleviate your boredom or provide some comfort for you. In a recent study, it was shown that 83% of Americans eat in their cars. Snacking while working, driving, channel surfing takes our mind off what we're eating so we cannot truly enjoy our food. This increases the probability that we will make less healthy food choices and limits our ability to monitor portion size.
It is important to be mindful of what and how much you are eating, while you are eating it, to make sure that the healthy snack of low fat crackers doesn't turn into an unhealthy box of crackers. There are many good reasons for healthy snacking…now how do we do it? The first step is to start buying healthier snacks, such as low fat or fat free crackers, whole grain breads, fruit, vegetables, pretzels, etc. Once you have bought these snacks, it is important that you keep these snacks as close and convenient as possible. If it's easier to pop some fruit or veggies into your mouth than it is to trudge down to the vending machine for candy, then you're more likely to snack smartly. If you add a little flavor or texture to your snacks, it will increase your satisfaction of the snacks you are eating. For instance, eating tortilla chips with salsa can spice up this snack, or carrots and low fat or fat free dip. Remember to check in with yourself and make sure you are snacking for a reason that will keep you healthy and happy.
Many times people find that they are only in the mood for a certain type of food and nothing else will do. It is important to eat a snack for that craving your having; otherwise you will continue to snack until you fulfill that craving. Here are some snack suggestions for many types of cravings:

To satisfy your sweet tooth:
v Fresh or dried fruit
v A frozen fruit-based sweet or other frozen treat
v Frozen grapes or berries
v Low fat yogurt with exotic flavors.

If you want something crunchy:
v Plain, reduced fat microwave popcorn
v Pretzels and low fat crackers
v Bagel or tortilla chips

Craving protein?
v Low fat cheese
v A hard Boiled egg
v Rolled up slices of turkey or ham