Thursday, April 30, 2009

Ruthie’s Step 46……. Snacking!

Ruthie’s Step 46……. Snacking!

Snacking Healthy
There is nothing wrong with a bite between meals. Snacking might be the missing ingredient that will help you reach your weight loss goals.

Snacking doesn’t serve to replace a meal. In fact, you should spread meals and snacks out by an hour or two, and snacks should total a couple hundred calories or less.

Munching between meals can actually reduce your overall caloric intake by curbing overeating at your next meal. By controlling later binging, snacking can help you stay on track. If you know you are going out to a big dinner, make sure you have a healthy snack before you head out so you will eat less. Step 10.

How You Snack Can Make or Break Your Diet?

There is definitely a wrong way and a right way to snack. You should avoid sugary items like candy and soda, and shouldn’t be eating enough calories to constitute a meal. Instead, eat foods that will satisfy you and keep you feeling fuller longer. Fruits and vegetables are always a safe bet because they are low in fat and calories. Yogurt, fruit smoothies, even a slice of whole-wheat toast all make great snacks during the day. Combining lean protein, some healthy fat, and complex carbohydrates will help you feel fuller longer. Remember the water based foods!

Mini Meals
Many experts are recommending several smaller meals throughout the day instead of the usual three. By eating at regular intervals, your blood sugar levels and energy levels remain stable. Eating every few hours can also help add extra nutrition that might be missing from other meals. Step 19


Practice Moderation
As with the rest of your diet, moderation is crucial when snacking. Make sure that you are adding every snack to your tracker, along with the larger meals you eat during the day. If you don’t keep track, you might add excess calories and fat to your diet without realizing it. Step 5.

Stick to nourishing foods whenever possible. If you know you have a weakness for junk food, don’t purchase these items next time you are at the grocery store. Then you won’t have to fight the temptation of ice cream or potato chips. Step 6.


Keep on keeping on……making better choices for a healthier you!

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