Regardless of your age, resisting unhealthy foods when you are hit by a snack attack can make a huge difference to your health. The good news is that choosing healthier food is more enjoyable in the long run. And by changing just a few eating habits you can make a big difference to your lifestyle.
These are the health benefits you will enjoy when you ditch those unhealthy snacks:
Controlling Weight By Snacking Regularly and Healthily
Avoiding hunger pangs increases the likelihood that you’ll choose a healthy snack such as fruit over something packed with empty calories like a doughnut. It will also prevent you from overeating. Many nutritionists recommend that we eat small meals every three to five hours. This keeps your metabolism revved up and helps to normalise blood sugar levels.
Other tricks are to stock up with healthy food only and not go grocery shopping when you are hungry so that you are not tempted to buy junk food to satisfy a craving. Fruit, vegetables and nuts are packed with nutrients like fibre and protein that your body needs. These foods also prevent sugar highs and lows so you won’t be tempted to succumb to your sweet tooth.
Energy, Mood and Brain Boosters
Healthy snacks are like a slow-burning fuel that keeps you going all day. Eating healthy snacks like carrot sticks help to banish the post-meal sleepiness that tends to occur from consuming too many calories in one sitting.
Processed carbohydrates like white bread and cookies lift our mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. However, this quick high tends to be followed by a sharp crash. Natural foods like fruit, whole grains and vegetables boost serotonin without the roller-coaster effect.
Healthy Heart and Mind with Omega-3
Snacks that contain Omega-3 fatty acids are said to be good for your heart as well as your mind. Tuna, salmon and walnuts help fight high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and anxiety. The effects of Omega-3 are also being studied in relation to other health conditions such as schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Healthy Nibbles That Are So Good, You Will Not Miss Your Junk Snacks
There are lots of healthier versions of your favourite junk snacks. Just don’t be taken in by their fat or sugar-filled family members:
Now you can snack your way to a healthier you. However, do remember that with all food, even healthy ones, moderation is always the key.