Switch to mindful snacking

It’s Friday night. You’re settled snugly into your sofa, binge watching the latest show on Netflix. Every few seconds, you find yourself reaching for that heaped plate of nachos. Or maybe it’s crisps. You pick one, lower into a bowl of cheesy dip, and pop it into your mouth.

  You repeat the action. Over and over again.

 The above scenario sounds all too familiar, right?

 After all, who can resist the temptation of a snack – any time of the day or night. We snack between meals. We snack when we’re bored. We snack when we’re with friends. We snack when we’re cheering our favourite team from the stands.

 Now, while snacking in itself isn’t bad, it’s snacking on the wrong kind of food items that can be detrimental. We’re talking about excessive calorie intake, unwanted weight gain, accompanied with bloating and cramping.

 The solution is simple: to make a clean switch to healthier snacking options.

 Here are some things to keep in mind when laying out those snacks:

Opt for snacks that are nutrients dense. Organic nuts, sprouts, berries and quinoa are great options as they pack in a lot of nutrient density.

 Mix it up! Choose organic snacks from different food groups. Your base item could be carbohydrate- or protein-based, while you could opt for a dip that’s vegan or gluten-free. For example, a freshly made guacamole is a fantastic choice.

 Whole grain snacks present another great option. They are a great source of energy, help modulate appetite and improve digestion.

Fruit it up! Make yourself a fruit salad, taking care to choose from a wide range of different-coloured fruits. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals.

And finally, remind yourself that it’s a snack and not a meal. So, limit your portion size.

The next time you’re craving for a snack, stay mindful. Choose healthy!

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