Snacking Healthy

Snacking might be the missing ingredient that will help you reach our weight loss goals. But snacking doesn't serve to replace a meal. In fact, you should spread meals and snacks out by an hour or two, and snacks should total a couple hundred calories or less.

Munching between meals can actually reduce your overall caloric intake by curbing overeating at your next meal. By controlling later bringing, snacking can help you stay on track. You can actually use this to your advantage. If you know you are going out to a big dinner with friends later, for example, make sure you have a healthy snack before you head out so you're less likely to order a large entree.

Snacking isn't Grazing:
Mindless eating is often the downfall of many snackers. You may start with only a handful of your favorite crackers, only to finish the entire box, with out even thinking about it. Obviously, this example isn't the healthy snacking that can help you reach your weight loss goals.

To Avoid Grazing:

• Fill a small plate with your snack and leave the kitchen!
• Never bring the entire container with you in front of the television or computer.
• If you stand around the snack table chatting at a party, you may find yourself reaching for food when the conversations lulls.
• Limit yourself to a single serving.
• Plan out your snacks just like you would a meal. Is one cookie worth the calorie cost, when you could eat a plate of fresh fruit instead.

Practice moderation: As with the rest of your diet, moderation is crucial when snacking. Don't sabotage your diet with unhealthy nibbles throughout the day; stick to nourishing food whenever possible.