Snacking in between meals has long been an epidemic that plagues just about everyone. However, according to health professionals, there are ways to snack and stay healthy at the same time, The Huffington Post reported.
The first problem in snacking is determining whether or not you are actually hungry.
"Only about 50 percent of people need to snack," Heather Bauer, R.D. said.
According to The Huffington Post, "a snack can help maintain metabolic health, regulate blood sugar and lead to better, healthier meal choices and greater portion control."
However, Bauer counters, "It's just an added source of calories."
If you suffer from a health condition such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, it may make sense to regulate your diet in between meals, but for others, it is largely unnecessary.
You also need to be careful in determining whether or not you are eating a snack or a treat.
"Snacks offer nutrition and fullness to help bridge one meal to the next," Dawn Jackson Blatner, R.D. said. "Treats don't give either".
Blatner advises to keep track of your "fullness" when munching on a handful of pretzels, a "chocolate-y" energy bar or a few cookies, since these foods can quickly lead to an excess intake of unwanted calories.
"So many people think that an apple or orange (alone) is a healthy snack," Cheryl Forberg, R.D., said in an email to The Huffington Post. "While they are both great, they are so much better with protein (add a mozzarella cheese stick, a few slices of turkey or almond butter on your sliced apple)."
According to Forberg, the added protein "helps to slow the release of sugar into the blood stream, which in turn prevents a big insulin spike."
Blatner advises mixing up your diet and eating both fruit and vegetables, as opposed to only protein.
"Produce gives hydration, fiber and nutrients to between-meal nibbles," she said.
Blatner also advised to avoid snacking while standing near a refrigerator, watching TV, working or looking over emails because "the snacks will never satisfy."
As a final tip, Blatner advised to be careful when snacking on healthier alternatives such as granola bars or multigrain chips as the calories can add up. Although they are more national, in large amounts, it won't make a difference.
"There are really healthy snacks out there, but you need to eat the right amount," she said.
