Snacking is a great way to keep your energy levels up throughout the day and avoid overeating during meals. However, not all snacks are created equal. Snacking on unhealthy options like chips and candy can quickly add up in calories and negatively impact your health. Fortunately, there are many healthy and delicious snacks that can help you stay on track with your health goals. In this post we will be exploring some tips for snacking smart and staying healthy:

• Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods. Whole foods are minimally processed and contain a variety of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrient-dense snacks like fresh fruits (such as apples, bananas, and oranges) and vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and cucumber), nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts), and seeds (such as pumpkin and chia seeds) are great options. They can help keep you feeling full and satisfied while providing your body with the nutrients it needs.
• Plan ahead. Take some time to plan your snacks ahead of time to avoid mindless snacking on unhealthy options. Prepare your snacks in advance and bring them with you when you’re on-the-go. This can help you avoid the temptation of unhealthy snack options when you’re hungry and on the run.
• Portion control is very important. Snacks can add up in calories quickly, so it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes. Measure out your snacks and put them in a bowl or on a plate to help you stay mindful of how much you’re eating. This can help you avoid overeating and keep your calorie intake in check.
• Avoid processed foods. Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods. Whole foods are minimally processed and contain a variety of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nutrient-dense snacks like fresh fruits (such as apples, bananas, and oranges) and vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and cucumber), nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts), and seeds (such as pumpkin and chia seeds) are great options. They can help keep you feeling full and satisfied while providing your body with the nutrients it needs.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated and control hunger. Sometimes when you feel hungry, you’re actually just thirsty. Drinking water can help you feel full and avoid overeating. It’s also important to stay hydrated throughout the day to support overall health.  If water is not your favourite type of drink, try adding some flavour to it. You can infuse your water with lemon, lime, cucumber, mint, or other fruits and herbs to make it more enjoyable.

Here are some healthy snack options to try:

• Greek yogurt parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola for a protein-packed and flavorful snack. But be sure to check the granola’s calorie and sugar content as some types can be high in sugar.
• Hummus with vegetables – Make a quick and easy hummus dip by blending together chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. Serve with a variety of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
• Trail mix – Mix together your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a tasty and portable snack.
• Hard-boiled eggs – Boil a batch of eggs in advance and store them in the fridge for a quick and protein-packed snack.
• Energy balls – Blend together dates, nuts, and other ingredients of your choice to make a nutritious and sweet snack that you can take with you on the go.

Snacking can be a healthy addition to your diet when done right. Choosing nutrient-dense snacks, planning ahead, portion control, avoiding processed foods, and staying hydrated are key components to snacking smart and staying healthy.