What are you favourite healthy snacks? Share yours with other readers in the comments section below.
The key is not eliminating snacks, it's knowing how to snack smart and healthy. Susin Cadman, R.D. Community Nutritionist from Brandon, Manitoba, shares the secrets to smart snacking. With her expert advice, you'll snack yourself skinny in no time!
The good news: You benefit from healthy snacks
Aim for snacks that have fewer than 200 calories, says Cadman. "Healthy snacking, as part of a healthy diet, is a great way to get all the nutrients you need," she says. "Nutrients help you stay healthy and give you energy. Snacks can keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. This can help to curb feelings of hunger between meals and stop you from eating too much at mealtimes and binge eating later in the day."
She says the keys to healthy snacking are:
a) the foods you choose
b) the amount you eat
c) how often you snack
According to Cadman, a general rule is to choose two foods from each of the four food groups of Canada's Food Guide or to include food groups that you fall short of at meal times. She also recommends limiting your snacks to no more than three a day. "Any combination of two food groups such as vegetable and fruit or grains, paired with milk and alternatives or meat and alternatives works best," she says. "This will give you a good combination of protein and carbohydrate."
Page 1 of 2 – Discover which foods to reach for when you're craving a healthy snack on page 2.
