health corner: healthy snacks
Many of us are on the go and often skip meals throughout the day. This can be detrimental to the body causing low energy levels, decreased work productivity, slow metabolism, over eating, and weight gain just to name a few. On the other hand, eating well balanced meals with appropriate snacking can do wonders for our bodies and diet. In fact, here are just a few benefits of snacking in-between meals.
1. Snacking keeps our hunger at bay; decreasing the likelihood of over-eating.
2. Snacking in between meals will help stabilize blood sugar levels warding off any symptoms of hypoglycemia (irritability, confusion, fatigue).
3. Snacking helps increase energy levels.
4. Snacking throughout the day will assist in revving up the metabolism.
It is common for most people to only eat 1 or 2 meals with no snacks a day. Many feel that by skipping snacks and meals throughout the day they will lose more body fat. The opposite may be true. So strive to eat a good breakfast, lunch and dinner with snacks in between meals.
Here is a sample of healthy snacks to choose from:
- Large salad with plenty of vegetables, beans, tuna, chicken, or egg whites and a light oil and vinegar-based dressing
- Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with mustard and carrot sticks on the side
- English muffin with fat-free mozzarella and tomato sauce
- String Cheese and whole wheat crackers
- Plain Yogurt, berries, and low sugar whole grain cereal
Get the Fit-In-30 Plan for a complete list of healthy snacks, recipes and meal plans.