Five tips to snacking right

Be mindful and make little packets or portions of your snacks

Snacking actually is good for you as it keeps your metabolism at an all-time high

By Staff Report

Published: Thu 27 Jul 2017, 2:30 PM

Last updated: Thu 27 Jul 2017, 5:00 PM

Remember when mum said, "Do not eat between meals"? Well, that myth has long been busted and the current school of thought says you should snack every couple of hours to boost your metabolism.

"But that would make me put on weight, wouldn't it?", I hear you thinking out loud in a horrified voice!

Snacking actually is good for you as it keeps your metabolism at an all-time high. This means your blood sugar level does not dip precariously which, in turn, means you will be able to make sensible decisions when it comes to the next meal.
What you choose to snack on largely decides whether snacking is good or bad for you. The fact that you can snack does not give you the carte blanche to eat whatever you want. Here are top five tips for snacking right:

Choose the right snacks:

Clear your cupboards and desk drawers of all crisps, muffins, candy bars and other processed foods as soon as possible. Instead, keep handy the following: unsalted, unroasted nuts, fruits, seeds and raisins or dates for that sugar fix.

Eat only when you feel hungry:

Wait till your tummy signals that you are hungry (but do not wait until it starts to rumble). Then make time immediately to grab a handful of healthy snacks and enjoy every mouthful.

Stay hydrated:

Sometimes, thirst can be misinterpreted by your body as hunger. Do your system a favour and have a glass of water every time you feel a little peckish and then have your snack.

Do not overindulge:

Even healthy snacks have their calories. We sometimes get carried away by the fact that something is healthy or low-fat, so we can indulge right in and, 10 minutes later, the entire jar of nuts or seeds has disappeared. Be mindful and make little packets or portions of your snacks - that way, you will not overindulge.

Carry your snacks with you:

Wherever you go, make sure you carry your little snack bags with you. This will ensure you do not get tempted with all the nasties around you that consist of sugar and other processed foods! Whip out your little bag of goodies even when having coffee with friends. That way, you can give the croissants and cakes a total miss.

Now that you are armed with these tips on snacking right, incorporate them in your daily life and find yourself brimming with energy. For mums busy doing school runs, these snacks are life savers and your mood is going to be significantly better when you pick up your little ones. Don't forget to carry a bottle of Forest Water at all times.