Snacking Your Way to Good Health
We are in the midst of the holiday season. Many of our celebrations are centered around food and fellowship. Snacks are a big part of a healthy eating plan, and if you choose wisely, snacks can help you reach your health goals. Too often, people grab calorie-dense snacks, such as chips or a cookie, because they are hungry between meals. However, if you plan ahead, you can have a variety of healthy and nutritious snacks ready to grab and go.
Choosing healthy snacks from the grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and protein food groups can boost your energy between meals and keep your hunger in check so you don’t overeat at meal time. In fact, you can think of snacks as “mini-meals” and view them as opportunities to eat more fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich dairy foods, which are often under-consumed by Americans.
It’s no secret that many people are trying to lose weight. Therefore, there are a few tips you should follow when choosing to include snacks into your day. First, most people do not need more than one or two snacks per day. You should never snack if you are not hungry, and always avoid the urge to eat if you are bored, stressed, worried, or angry. Next, if you do choose to include snacks in your day, keep snacks to
less than 200 calories, and be sure that you do not exceed the total number of calories you need. To help you control snack portions, measure out your foods, or choose foods that are pre-portioned, such as yogurt or canned fruit. Some stores even offer snacks that are pre-packaged in 100-calorie portions.
Many foods make great snacks! Some snacks may just be a single food, such as an apple or popcorn, while others maybe a combination of foods from several food groups, such as fat-free yogurt with fresh berries. Whatever snack you choose, be sure that you choose foods low in solid fat, salt, and added sugar, but high in nutrients and fiber. When planning your snacks, you’ll need to consider whether you need access to a refrigerator to safely store your snack foods. Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks:
- Whole wheat crackers and low fat cheese
- Fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with low-fat salad dressing
- Fruits canned in their own juice, such as pineapple or pears
- “Grab and Go” fresh fruits, such as bananas, apples, and peaches
- Nuts, such as almonds or walnuts
- Granola bars
- Low-fat popcorn
- Peanut butter and celery sticks
- Bell peppers and hummus
Whichever snack you choose, remember to keep it healthy and low in calories.
Making a Difference in 2015
Starting next week, this column will focus on Extension programming in 2015. Specific programs highlighted will be Diabetes Education, Family Nutrition, Youth Kids’ Camp/Skills Camp, Marriage Education and Childcare, Master Wellness Volunteer program, and 4-H & Youth. These programs have had a great impact in our community, and I want to share the program summaries with you. Stay tuned!
Closing Thought
“I build my life on a foundation that will not shift. My faith frees me” – George W. Bush
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
