Well hello there! Are you prepared to nibble your way to better health? Let’s delve into how your snacking habits could hold the key to improving your diet this year. While snacks can certainly boost your energy and provide vital nutrients, many of our favourite treats might not be doing us any favours when it comes to our health.

Did you know that, as per a study of over 20,000 Americans, the average person consumes an extra 400 to 500 calories per day from snacking? That’s a whopping amount of extra calories! What’s more, these snacks often lack nutritional value, often packed with carbs, high-fat convenience foods, sweets, alcoholic beverages, and sugary drinks.

Not to fear, there’s hope! By choosing your snacks wisely and snacking with intent, you can make snacking work for you, not against you. Here are some top tips to become a snacking expert in 2024:

Choose snacks that satisfy
Opt for snacks that contain a good balance of protein and fiber to keep your blood sugar levels in check and your tummy content. Think apple slices and nut butter, whole grain crackers and cheese, or a hard-boiled egg with veggies and hummus.

Keep track of your food
Consider documenting your meals and snacks for a few days to see where adjustments might be necessary. Plenty of apps are available to keep an eye on your intake.

Stick to a schedule
Too many snacks can get in the way of proper meals, so be sure to plan your meals and snacks to keep everything in harmony.

Snack on the go
Always on the move? Plan ahead and pack some nutritious snacks so you won’t be tempted to grab unhealthy options when hunger strikes.

Organize your snacks
Keep those cookies and chips out of sight—out of sight, out of mind, right? Stock up on healthy options like nuts and dried fruit and keep them in easily-accessible places.

Drink smart
Cut back on sugary drinks and stay hydrated with unsweetened tea, coffee, sparkling water, smoothies, or good old H2O.

So there you have it! Snacking won’t be the same once you’ve got these tricks up your sleeve. Ready to give it a go?
And remember, if you need any help figuring out the best snacks for you, LeeAnn Weintraub is your go-to girl. She’s a registered dietitian and a nutrition pro who can help you reach your snacking goals. You can drop her a line at [email protected].