It's time for some snacks

If I could name one aspect of eating where people most often fall short, it would be snacks! Firstly, should you be snacking between meals? Most people are not clear on that, so let me set the record straight.

Snacks are important to keep your blood sugar levels stable. They are also important to maintain metabolism. Snacks are like the little pieces of wood that you throw into the fire to keep metabolism going.

Ideally, you should be having two small snacks between meals. If you're not hungry enough for a snack that means you've eaten too much at the previous meal; so adjust your eating accordingly.

WHAT should you snack on? If you're like most people, then the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of snacks is biscuits, chips, or chocolate. These are the type of snacks that people choose most often. But, the quality of your snacks can make all the difference. If you want good health, then make sure your snacks (not just your meals) reflect that.

Slot your morning snack between breakfast and lunch. I personally like to have a piece of fruit with some raw nuts. But I also have some vegetable sticks at times (with or without dip).

Make sure your snack size is big enough to sustain you till the next meal but not so big that you're not hungry at lunch.

If you add raw nuts to your snack, make sure you do not exceed one handful of nuts each day.

Most people are at work for the morning snack so they use the 'there are no healthy snacks at work' excuse. If you're one of them, one solution would be to pack your own snack from home. Even a small fruit salad would do. Once you get used to packing your own snacks, it will become second nature and you can then easily resist the pastries or chocolates that are going around the office.

If you're on the go during snack time, grab something that is easy to carry in your handbag or your pocket. Raw nuts are always a great option for the handbag or an apple for after the gym.

But, what happens if you eat an apple on its own for snack? You'll probably get hungry again very soon afterwards! That's why I always recommend you add some raw nuts to it or sprinkle nuts and seeds on your fruit salad. The protein and fat in nuts and seeds balance out the sugar in the fruit, giving you more sustained energy till the next meal.

Snack options:

One fruit with raw nuts

Small fruit salad sprinkled with seeds

Apple slices topped with organic peanut or almond butter

Dried fruits such as raisins with some seeds

A few olives

Three-four dates with raw nuts

Rice cakes with hummus

Vegetable sticks with hummus or any dip

One boiled egg

Small bowl of chickpeas or green peas

Mixed fruit smoothie

If you are at home, healthy snacking becomes easier. One of my clients got used to the habit of going to the fridge in the afternoon and cutting out little cubes of cheese for herself. When I explained to her all the possible side-effects that she could be getting from the cheese, she switched to vegetable sticks dipped in hummus. Not only did she have a healthy snack, but she even felt better and more energetic for the rest of the day because of it.

Many people also use drinks as snacks. For example, a lot of people have tea, coffee or juices for snacks. Drinks are great as snack options as long as you make sure they are healthy options. A double-chocolate-fudge-mocha-latte, for example, might not be a good choice, especially if you are trying to stay in shape.

If you prefer hot drinks, go for herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile, etc. You can have that with one or two dates or some dried fruits.

If weight is not an issue, you can even have a cup of almond milk hot chocolate made with home-made almond milk and raw cacao powder, sweetened with honey or dates. That option is usually very popular with kids and adults alike! It certainly is in our household.

The most important factor in snacking is planning. Most people who fail to snack are those who have failed to plan their snacks.

Get out a piece of paper, write down what healthy snacks you'd like to have during your day, stick it on the fridge and pack something every day.

The bottom line is that you should not stay on an empty stomach for extended periods of time. Start planning your snacks and enjoy them!

For more ideas or to book a seminar, contact me through my website www.AliaAlmoayed.com