Snacking, grazing or eating small, frequent meals has become a way of life for many families and, if well chosen, can contribute to your daily nutrient needs.
It's a myth that snacking is bad for you or will make you fat. The truth is that it's not snacking itself that's bad, it's all the traditionally high-fat, high-calorie snack foods such as chips, candy bars, French fries, etc. that give it a bad name. With careful planning you can enjoy snacks with a high nutritional rating.
Why snack?
• Some studies suggest that eating frequent small meals is a better weight management strategy than eating one or two large meals. Eating healthy between-meal snacks can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from feeling too hungry and then overeating at meals. It can also be an effective way to lower cholesterol.
• Snacking is healthy at any age but for kids there are advantages. Since children have smaller appetites and tend to eat less at a meal, eating several smaller meals throughout the day can provide them with the nutrition they need for growth, development and activity. Plus, healthy snacks ensure kids don't get so hungry that they reach for whatever is available, perhaps making less healthy food choices.
Healthy snacking strategies
• If you work long days, having a healthy late-afternoon snack may be a benefit for your productivity. Check what's available in your cafeteria or vending machines and if it's only candy or chips, bring something from home. Easy portable snacks include an energy bar, trail mix, cheese string and a piece of fruit.
• If you're going out of the office to a meeting and don't know when you'll be eating lunch, have a late-morning snack such as fruit and cheese or yogurt and a low fat muffin.
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