Snacking 101
Jan 30, 2018
Snacking…It’s something most of us do on a regular basis. Eating snacks or smaller meals throughout the day is a healthy habit however, there are a few things to keep in mind when you are snacking.
First of all, serving size should be small. After all, this is a snack not a meal. Be sure to check the label to determine what the serving size is. Then, measure it out and put the rest away. This will help to keep you from eating the entire bag or box.
The second thing to keep in mind are the components of your snack. Snacks should have at least two food groups. Check out the healthy snack pairings below. Pick one item from column 1 and one from column 2 for healthy and delicious snacks!
Healthy Snack Pairings:
| Fruit, Vegetable or Grain: | Protein or Fat: |
| Apple | Cheese Cubes |
| Celery or Tomato | Hummus |
| Grapes | Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip |
| Dried Fruit | Nut Butter |
| Carrots | Milk |
| Dry Cereal | Cheese Stick |
| Whole Wheat Bread | Deli Turkey |
| Pepper Strips | Hard Boiled Egg |
| Banana | Greek Yogurt |
| Whole Grain Crackers | Cottage Cheese |
| Lightly Salted Popcorn | Sliced Cheese |
| Pretzel | Nuts |
Another thing to keep in mind is timing. Snacks should be spaced out throughout the day and are often best when they fall in between meals. This helps to keep your metabolism going and can keep you full if you are going a longer period without eating.
Lastly, keep in mind that water is an important part of a healthy diet. Sometimes, when we think we are hungry or that we need a snack we are simply thirsty. Try drinking a glass of water to see if you are truly hungry first.
Need more tips for healthy snacks? Check out this handout from ChooseMyPlate!
