“I WANT A SNACK WHAT SHOULD I DO?”
WHAT REALLY ARE ‘HEALTHY’ SNACK OPTIONS
A question we get asked frequently is “what is a healthy option for a snack?”
Within this post, we will discuss some ideas around options open to you and also the underlying problem with the idea of snacking as many of us see it!
We will present these as options for you to consider next time you want a snack!
OPTION 1 – EAT A BALANCED MEAL.
The first and best option for you when you have a craving for a snack is probably to go for another meal.
Why?
Because a meal is generally balanced in the forms of energy it contains whereas snacks are generally full of sugar or processed carbohydrates (or both for the win).
Why go for a balanced option?
This may be beyond the scope of a short blog post but every meal, in essence, should contain a blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates generally speaking.
You can keep the portions smaller than say maybe your lunch or dinner but this would be our first port of call!
OPTION 2 – INVESTIGATE ALL THE OTHER FOOD YOU HAVE EATEN THAT DAY.
This should be considered in conjunction with option 1 as in all honesty a real desire for snacking (one born out of true hunger) probably indicates that you haven’t eaten enough in the meals before that. Ideally speaking snacking should be avoided as the inherent problems that come with this are the difficulties in creating a balanced snack (see above!).
If you haven’t eaten enough of the right foods today honor that with a small balanced meal now but tomorrow take some steps to ensure that you don’t find yourself here.
OPTION 3 – AM I REALLY HUNGRY?
Without a doubt the biggest one here should maybe be at option 1 is to ask yourself this question!
Snacking is commonly not done due to true hunger but as a habit or impulse, to satisfy a craving or to make you feel better. We get it, snack foods are generally some of the yummiest! And that is how they are designed to be so don’t blame yourself!
Considering the current way of life this will probably be your biggest challenge at the moment. To really build an understanding of true hunger and not giving in to snacking out of boredom, to feel better, will take time and some resilience to say no!
OPTION 4 – OK, THE HEALTHY OPTIONS!
If after all this you are just like “OK I get all that but what actually is a healthy snack, here are a few options:
- An apple with some nut butter.
- Sheep milk yogurt and some berries and pumpkin seeds.
- Jerky with berries and raw nuts
- A protein shake.
We understand none of these are a chocolate chip cookie or protein bar, we wish they were on the list too, but for some great ideas for healthy junk food alternatives check out a great article from Precision Nutrition HERE
A CLOSING THOUGHT
Highly processed snack foods are designed to be immediately rewarding, they are designed in labs to be that way, to not fill you up and to hit all the right notes, and to be super addictive. So, arm yourself with that knowledge and you may be able to take a step away from them!
Ultimately, these quick grab junk foods will be immediately rewarding but in the long run, may take you further away from your goals. Whereas, the healthy option will not be as rewarding now BUT will bring you towards your goals. You can choose either in the moment but know that one will be great now, and one will turn out to be great further on down the line!
Need some help with understanding your nutrition, get in touch!