Often, when we talk of a balanced lifestyle, the initial thoughts that cross our minds are about doing workouts and eating healthy meals. Snacking would be the last thing to occur when the topic of a healthy lifestyle pops up. Have you ever wondered why we subconsciously consider snacking an unhealthy practice? It is time we changed the narrative and know how snacking can be a part of the balanced lifestyle that we all, in some way, want to achieve. This is possible if we incorporate changes in the foods we choose to snack on. For now, let us understand how healthy snacking could pave the way for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Keeps you from Overeating in the Subsequent Meal
We know that three meals are not just sufficient to satiate our appetite. This is why we tend to feel hunger pangs two to three hours after our main meals. But did you know that snacking could prevent you from overindulging in the main meals? Yes, that is correct. Snacking when done right and healthily prevents you from overeating your main meals, since your tummy is not fully devoid of food. Eating fibre-rich foods as snacks is the best way to make your tummy contented for long hours.
A Saviour for Diabetics
A prevalent concern among diabetics is hypoglycemia i.e., blood sugar levels falling below the normal range. The condition can at times turn fatal if there is an extreme drop in glucose levels. Therefore, nutrient-dense foods rich in fibre offer a perfect snacking option for diabetics. Examples include apple, blueberry, orange and sweet potato, among others.
Aids in fulfilling your Dietary Requirements
Many seasonal fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins and minerals that we usually do not get from the conventional three meals a day. Thus, healthy snacks offer a gateway to fulfilling the nutritional requirements of the body. Moreover, an illness may prevent people from consuming full meals, due to a lack of appetite or restrictive intake on account of digestive issues. Healthy snacking is a great way for such people to meet their dietary needs. Aiming for a maximum of 250 calories per snack is a perfect choice.
Gives an Energy Boost after Exercise
An empty stomach is a big no for working out. Those working out can vouch for the importance of a healthy energy-packed snack like a granola bar to fuel their depleting energy. Consuming a snack rich in carbs and proteins is necessary to let the muscles recover and restore their glycogen stores that are drained while exercising. All in all, monitoring snacking habits is as crucial as surveilling what you eat at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Takeaway
Healthy snacking can go a long way towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Snacks can be planned in the same way as main meals. It is therefore important that you schedule your snack breaks to ensure that they support you rather than hinder you in achieving your fitness goals. Healthy snacks, on the one hand let you meet your nutritional requirements, while on other hand prevent you from overeating during your next meal. Besides, it helps people with low appetites to get their daily dose of essential nutrients. Healthy snacks could be a saviour for people with diabetes in managing their blood sugar levels.