Many of us get hungry in between meals. While some try to control their cravings, others opt to snack on something small quickly. There are many myths surrounding the practice of snacking. Note that this does not mean just eating Breakfast Thing. Snacking refers to the consumption of food during a time other than your regular meal. Some people believe that snacking is inherently unhealthy. This may be because they automatically associate snacking with processed foods. But the truth is, snacking can actually be good for you, provided you do it right and choose the right foods. celebrity nutritionist Loveneet Batra Recently posted about the same on his Instagram page. He shares 5 ways snacking can improve your health. Check them out below.
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Is Snacking Healthy? 5 reasons why in-between-meal snacks are good for you:
1. Helps Avoid Overeating:
According to Lovnit, “Eating snacks between meals has the potential to promote satiety and suppress over-consumption at subsequent meals.” Eating too much can not only put a strain on your digestive system but can also hinder the absorption of nutrients. Therefore, snacking may also help you maintain a healthy gut,
2. Keeps hunger under control
Eating the right snacks can help boost your overall health and well-being. photo credit: pixabay
Snacking can help keep hunger pangs at bay. If you choose to snack mindfully, you can resist the temptation to give in to unhealthy cravings. on them a weight loss diet Will be specifically related to this. Consuming high fiber foods is said to keep you satiated for longer. This point is also relevant for people with problems with blood sugar. Lownit says that snacking “has been postulated to have a range of health benefits with respect to improved blood sugar control in diabetics and pre-diabetics.”
3. Can Increase Nutrient Intake:
Choose healthy snacking options to ensure you get the most nutrients and benefits. For example, it is said that it is better to eat some fresh fruits in between rather than after eating. Thus, snacking may actually allow you to incorporate more foods into your diet in the right way.
4. Helps Deal With Mood Swings:
Sometimes, we get irritable because of being hungry, though we can blame it on other factors. Snacking can help restore overall balance in our bodies and induce a better mood. Wondering what you should eat? then check out this list of foods As suggested by experts, it can help in dealing with mood swings.
5. Can Improve Attention:
Have you ever wondered why you are advised to eat dry fruits before an exam or interview? Such snacks can help in improving our attention span. Hunger is a distraction, and left unchecked, it can manifest as low energy, headaches and more. Therefore, snacking can ensure that your focus remains razor-sharp.
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How to have breakfast in a healthy way? Snacking Tips from a Nutritionist
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pay attention to quantities
According to nutritionists, “In general, it’s best to eat snacks that provide about 200 calories and at least 10 grams of protein to help you stay full until your next meal.”
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Avoid packaged food items
Packaged snacks can do more harm than good. It is better to stay away from them. photo credit: pixabay
Processed snacks are dangerously high in sugar, fat and carbohydrates. “They may give you a brief jolt of energy, but you’ll probably still feel hungry an hour or two later,” writes Lavanit.
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Keep snacks handy on the go
Lovenit suggests “carrying portable snacks with you when you’re working out or on a hunger strike.” she recommends foods that are high in protein and fiber. Preparing in advance also makes you less likely to buy packaged snacks out of necessity.
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There is no ‘one size fits all’ rule:
“The number of snacks you need to have varies depending on your activity level and the size of the meal,” says Lovneet. You need to take several factors into consideration when choosing snacks. What may work for others may not work for you.
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Fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, makhana (foxnuts), yogurt, homemade popcorn, etc. are great snack options in terms of nutrition as well as convenience. If you’re looking for recipes rather than single foods, check out This list of recipes for healthy snacks, Now you know you can have a guilt-free breakfast as long as you keep these pointers in mind!
Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.