“Don’t dig your grave with your own knife and fork.” English Proverb
The old advice from Grandma to not snack between meals is no longer considered wise. Snacking
well is a great way to obtain nutrients, keep metabolism revving, and keep hunger at bay.
But what you choose to snack on can make or break your dietary goals. Below are some guidelines to help you make the best choices.
1. Include a quality carbohydrate, protein, and fruit or vegetable, if possible.
Examples:
- Peanut butter on a Triscuit with an apple
- Banana and almond butter
- Low-fat yogurt and a hand full of almonds
- Graham cracker with low-fat white or chocolate milk
- Frozen whole grain waffle with peanut butter
- Low-fat popcorn and string cheese
- Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and hummus
2. Keep snacks small. Just enough to take away hunger pangs and sneak in some fiber and vitamins.
3. Pack snacks to take with you (in the car, to work, on errands) to prevent low blood sugar (and subsequent bad decisions). That will save you money and calories when you avoid stopping for fast food.
4. Watch out for high-sugar items such as some granola bars, overly-sweetened yogurts, yogurt covered nuts, and protein bars. Try to keep sugar below 7-10 grams per serving in packaged snacks.