To Snack or not to Snack? That is the question.
Whats the answer?
If a Martian came to earth and attempted to understand our nutritional needs by visiting a supermarket, they would be fooled. They would think that Snacks are essential to our health. The shops are full of the flippin things. 5 bulging aisles in some supermarket – full of food which I would argue we do NOT need.
My belief is very strong. We should not snack. We should eat more like our Grandparents ate.
- No fast food.
- 3 meals a day
- Proper food
- Eat sitting down
- Enjoy our food – its a gift
- No meal substitutes or replacements.
- Its how I eat. Its how I (hope) I trained my children to eat.
Its how my mum trained me.
And I am glad. Eating 3 square meals a day keeps me energetic and slim. I sleep well and I cope ok with stress … usually. My hormones are usually balanced & happy … mostly. 👩
I have treats – but they are just that – treats.
(def: occasional, out of the ordinary, special, reward)
Basically if we eat 3 proper meals a day (and are not an athlete) we will not NEED to snack. But not everyone is like me…
Snacking can be habitual. A bit like smoking …
Hand to mouth.
Sugar or salt addiction maybe.
A poor breakfast … or no breakfast😱 … will give us a physiological need to snack. So will poor sleep. Stress causes snacking too if we’re not fuelled properly.
How to Snack Healthier
Get organised and carry better snacks with in the day. Balance the body for the day ahead. Fruit is a default, but its not satisfying enough to correct genuine food imbalances.
🍏Drink water first – you might just be thirsty.
🍏A few unsalted walnuts or almonds. Maybe + dried fruit.
🍏Dates or dried apricots can satisfy a sweet craving.
🍏2 oatcakes – with hummus, pesto or avocado. Yum.
🍏2 wholegrain crackers with peanut butter or marmite
🍏Small banana & greek yogurt.
Eating like this will stop cravings, and make you 100% more likely to choose a healthy lunch and evening meal. And it will help you lose weight.
I know this stuff. Its my job.
Any questions??