Snacking. It feels like a dirty word, doesn’t it? Like it’s something you should feel guilty about.
It’s not the snacking, of course—it’s the snack. And it’s all about options.
Frozen yogurt may have less fat than ice cream but it can have just as much sugar. Granola has a reputation for being a healthy snack but that started back in the 70s when it wasn’t loaded with sugar. Pretzels, while low in calories and fat, are also typically bathed in salt. That sodium contributes to increased blood pressure and causes water retention.
When choosing your tasty munchies in between meals, here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Fiber
We’ve known for years we need to get more fiber in our diets. Dietary fiber is good for our digestive systems, managing blood sugar, supporting heart health and maintaining a healthy weight. So, obviously it’s a good idea to work high-fiber snacks into your day when you need just a little something more. If you’re on a Shake Day in your nutritional cleanse schedule, Fiber SnacksTM are a tasty way to add in that fiber.
Calories
When it comes to a snack, it’s important to find a balance. We specifically designed our own snacking options for Shake and Cleanse Days as well as sweet indulgences to curb your appetite for this very reason. Still, keeping your caloric intake down is important whether you’re cleansing or not.
What’s more, the calories you do eat shouldn’t be empty ones. There are all kinds of processed snacks at your grocery store right now that are low in calories and may even be fat-free. It’s also a safe bet though, that they are also high in refined carbohydrates with little nutritional value.
Protein
A great all-around snack solution? Fruits. Cherries, blueberries and a number of other fruits are low in calories, fat-free and loaded with vitamins. Protein sources such as a hard-boiled egg, yogurt and cottage cheese are perfect complements to fruit.
