Are you guilty of giving in to temptation and buying snacks on an impulse? According to a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy group, 90% percent of food items in checkout lanes were junk foods. The candy, chips, and sugary drinks are intentionally placed right in front of your face. Retailers know people are likely to buy on impulse while standing in line to check out.
We have several suggestions on how to tame your snack temptation on those unhealthy snacks. First, never go grocery shopping while you’re hungry. We suggest you make a list and stick to it. You could even plan to pay with cash and take no extra cash with you.
A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association compares the number of meals and snacks eaten each day for a year among three groups- participants who lost weight and maintained it, those who were still overweight at the end of the study, and those who had a normal weight. For people who enjoy snacks, the result of the study is good news. The study showed that the individuals who maintained a normal weight ate the most snacks throughout the day, followed by the weight-loss maintainers. However, the snacks must be healthy as opposed to junk food. What you snack on and how much you consume is very important.
You should schedule intervals to consume snacks. It is important that no one gets into the habit of “grazing.” If snacks are scheduled you have something to look forward to and are less likely to eat because you are bored, stressed or feeling deprived. The second suggestion was to be sure you choose high-quality foods. Between meals, snacks should contain a combination of proteins and complex carbohydrates. It is important that you eat snacks that provide a big nutritional benefit in every bite. Never eat snacks that are full of sugar and contain no nutrients. Keep portion control in mind during snack time. It is best if you drink water with your snacks. To avoid caving to temptation, always have a stash of healthy snacks close at hand. If you are going to be away from home or office take your snacks with you so you do not get into the habit of saying “just this once” I will run into the store and grab a snack.
The easiest way to ensure you eat healthy is to get with professionals who know exactly what you need and are able to encourage you to stay on track. Call Weigh to Wellness today to speak to professionals who are interested in helping you enjoy the best health possible. You will be able to choose from a large variety of meals and snacks without having the added chore of planning them yourself.