What is healthy snacking?
There’s no right or wrong way to snack on plants. But some approaches are better than others. Munching on a big bag of potato chips is technically plant-based snacking, but everyone agrees it’s not a healthy choice. Enjoying one small handful of potato chips along with plant-based yogurt dip and some fresh veggies is a better approach.
Pay attention to the three P’s
When it comes to healthy snacking, consider the three P’s: plan, portion, and peace. Ideally, plan snacks in advance so you don’t mindlessly grab whatever is in sight during a snack attack. (Let’s be honest, that’s likely to be something sweet, salty, fatty, or all of the above.) Portion snacks out so you’ll know the amount you’re eating, and enjoy snacks while seated peacefully (no devices, if possible), focusing on what you’re eating. Follow all three tips and you’ll lessen your chances of snacking on nutrient-poor foodsand the unintended weight gain that comes from them.
Know why you’re snacking
When planning snacks ahead of time, consider what role they’ll serve. Snacks can keep your metabolism revved up, help with managing weight, fuel performance, and fill in nutrient gaps. For instance, if you know your typical meals lack certain nutrients, you can plan to eat snacks that include them.
Follow the snacking golden rule
And to keep your metabolism humming along, follow the snacking golden rule: don’t go more than five hours during the day without eating something. If lunch is at noon and dinner isn’t until 8 p.m., plan a snack for 4 or 5 p.m.(Related: 6 Things Parents Say that May Trigger Disordered Eating in Kids)