How to snack healthy while staying home!
February 4, 2021
Written By: Nutrition Coach Mairead Like most of us, we're sure you're staying home as much as you can right now!
Between stress, easy access to the kitchen, and being on a different routine again, your snacking and eating habits might feel like they're all over the place.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make healthy snacking choices while you're staying home:
1. Avoid going too long without eating!
When we wait too long between meals and snacks, we're more likely to reach for whatever is easiest or will keep our energy up. Instead, try taking a short break every 3-4 hours throughout the day for a meal or snack.
2. Bump up the fibre in snacks!
Fibre can help us feel full for longer. Look for snacks that are higher in fibre on the nutrition label, or try including more whole grains, nuts and seed, and fruit and vegetables in your snacks. This also helps keep our blood sugars more stable for consistent energy throughout the day!
3. And then add some protein and fat!
Fruits and vegetables won't keep us full for long on their own. For an energy-packed balanced snack, pair a source of protein and fat with your favourite fruits and vegetables or whole grain snack. Try an apple with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with berries, or cheese with your crackers!
4. Have snacks handy that you actually like!
Keep easy healthy snacks on hand, whether that's having cut up vegetables, clementine's on the counter, or yogurt cups at eye-level in the fridge. But you actually have to like the things you're snacking on, or you will keep looking for something else satisfying. Focus on choosing nutrient-dense snacks that you look forward to eating!
5. Keep the treats and enjoy them!
Saying no to your favourite treats or less-healthy snacks can be exhausting, and eventually we'll all give in. Instead, try including them when you actually have the time to enjoy them, and aren't so hungry that you'll eat more than you actually want without even tasting them. Try portioning out a serving, whether that's a few cookies and a couple handfuls of chips, and getting away from as many distractions as possible. Take a few minutes to really focus on eating that favourite food. I bet you'll be way more satisfied with that eating experience than if you tried to avoid them and then overate! Remember, you don't need to be stressed or feel guilty around anything you eat!
What are you snacking on while staying home? Share your pictures on social media and tag Degree Fitness Seaforth to let us know!
More nutrition questions or looking to make some changes? Let's chat! Email mairead@degreefitnessseaforth.com
or click here
to learn more about our Nutrition Programs!
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