FORMING HEALTHY SNACKING HABITS

Feeling hungry mid-afternoon? A lot of people feel the urge for a snack in the middle of the day that has them reaching for change to go to the vending machine. Unfortunately, these snacks are both expensive and low in nutrients.

Snacks should be mini meals that help add important nutrients to your diet, rather than just junk foods that only add extra calories, fat and salt. A mid-afternoon snack can prevent you from feeling like you’re starving in the middle of the day and keep you from wanting to eat everything in sight as soon as you get home from work.

Set yourself up for success by planning ahead for that afternoon snack. Choose something simple, but something that you like so you aren’t as tempted by the shiny bags in the vending machine. Some healthy snack ideas include:

• Cheese and crackers
• Peanut butter and apple slices or pretzels
• Yogurt with fruit

Not only will healthy snacking throughout the day help you save money, but it will sustain you longer than a bag of greasy chips. If you have additional questions about healthy snack options, talk to your NHA dietitian. More information about healthy snacking can be found by contacting our Women, Infants & Children program.

Photo Credit: “Cheese Platter” by Andrea Goh is licensed under CC BY 4.0.