Snack More Weigh Less: 5 Tips for Healthy Snacking

To ensure your body and metabolism are functioning at their best you should be including two healthy snacks a day into your eating plan. Healthy snacks should be smaller portions than a regular meal and should fuel your body. Plan your snacks in advance so that your aren't tempted by the office donuts or vending machine. Oh and before you ask... yes chocolate can be included in healthy snacking in moderation: 1 oz of really dark chocolate is actually good for you as it contains many antioxidants and minerals.

Here are 5 Tips for Healthy Snacking:

1. Limit your snack to a maximum of 200 calories. Some great examples are: 3 cups air popped popcorn, ¾ cup of non fat greek yogurt with ½ banana, 12 whole grain crackers with 2 oz low fat cheese, ½ 6 inch whole-wheat pita with ¼ cup of hummus
2. Avoid high glycemic carbs such as white carbs such as white rice, white bread, candy, cookies etc as these cause your blood sugar to peak and then crash, leaving you tired, weak and worst of all hungry! Instead choose low glycemic carbs such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, apples, strawberries
3. To keep hunger at bay always try to include one protein (lean), one healthy fat and one high fiber carbohydrate: 1 oz chicken breast, 1 oz low fat cheese and 3 whole-wheat crackers, or a hard-boiled egg whites, 1/2 whole wheat muffin with 1/2 tbsp peanut butter.
4. Consider your portions sizes; When you eat directly from the bag, you will end up consuming more than you think, especially if you are a victim of mindless snacking. Instead measure out the correct portion into small containers or snack size bags. Stay away from the store bought 100 calorie packs; just because it's low in calories doesn't mean it's healthy.
5. On the go? Keep a throw and go stash of your healthy snacks in the car. Stock up on healthy meal replacements shakes that you can drink on the run. By planning in advance you won't get caught out when hunger strikes.

Please don't be alarmed by adding healthy fat into your snacks or your diet. While it may be high in calories, "good" fats let you among other things: absorb vitamins from your other foods, raises your good cholesterol, reduce inflammation and obtain better skin.
Ensuring you are prepared by planning in advance is one of the best things you can do to keep on top of and in charge of your snacking habits. Snacks are an important part of your day but making sure they are healthy, nutritious and satisfying is key.

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