TO SNACK OR NOT TO SNACK?

Three main meals a day. Five smaller meals. Lots of snacks. Or no snacks at all? It can be difficult to know which is the best option. Snacking is often given a bad rap for being an unnecessary indulgence. The truth is though; this is absolutely not the case at all! The key is just what you snack on and when.

Like most things when it comes to food and nutrition, everyone is different in terms of what their day on a plate looks like. And that is just fine. Some people find they do not need or really like snacks. Some people find that on some days they will go for a snack, and other days they won’t – also fine. And for those of us who need a little something in between meals, there are absolutely no problems with this either.

For many, snacking is an important part of meeting nutrition requirements and ensuring you are not absolutely ravenous by your next main meal.

The thing about snacking though is it needs to be all about convenience. We are often on the run at this time of day and need something quick and easy. This is also where the problems can start as many convenient snacking options are not always the most nutritious. Either that or we lack inspiration of new, healthy snacking ideas!

But don’t worry, I have put together a list of some different snacking options for you. We all know the go-to healthy snacks like fresh fruit, yoghurt and nuts etc, so I thought I would put together some different, outside of the box ideas to give you some new inspiration.

Image Credit – Alex Fisher Health 

1. Hard boiled eggs
2. Homemade chia pudding with berries – a smaller version of breakfast
3. Hummus and wholegrain crackers or vegetable sticks
4. Cream cheese and carrot sticks – you can buy the single serve portion tubs of cream cheese at the supermarket
5. Miso soup
6. Dates with natural peanut butter – for something sweet.
7. Wholegrain crackers topped with avocado and black pepper.
8. Frozen berry and cacao smoothie bowl – again a smaller version of breakfast.

And the snacks perfect for keeping in your desk drawer for emergencies:

1. Small tin of tuna with wholegrain crackers or rice cakes.
2. Air popped popcorn
3. Trail mix
4. Store bought bliss balls – you can buy some good quality ones in the stores now that do not need refrigeration.
5. Rice cakes and natural peanut butter.

I recommend keeping some healthy snacks in your desk drawer at work and in your handbag so you always have something nutritious and tasty on hand.