When it comes to your favorite goodies, thin seems to be scoring big in the snack aisle. But area dietitians say be weary of those slimmer treats because often times people can be more likely to over-indulge in them. The following tips to help you snack healthier are from Weis Markets' registered dietitian Kathryn Long:
Why do we snack? (here's a chart that explains our prime snacking time)
- To satisfy hunger
- To stay healthy
- Emotional reasons (stressed, worried, happy etc.)
- Social interaction/because other people are eating
- Because you’re tired (we tend to eat more throughout the day if we’re tired)
- Because you’re bored
Check out the new Dietary Guidelines from the USDA by clicking here.
Many times we are mindlessly snacking and don’t realize how much we’re eating.
Strategies to avoid mindless eating:
- Ask yourself if you’re really hungry or eating for another reason.
- Don’t eat in front of the tv, computer, etc. when you’re distracted.
- Out of site out of mind – instead keep healthy snacks front and center in the fridge and pantry.
- Beware of the health halo – we may eat more of a food if it’s perceived as healthier.
- Don’t eat straight out of the package – you’ll end up eating more.
- Take time to savor your food. The first bite always tastes the best.
Snacking Trends - Thin is in: snacks are slimming down!
Manufacturers are creating thinner varieties of their snacks. With these thin products, the portion size is a little larger allowing you to have a few more crackers/cookies. In the end you’re still getting the same amount of food and calories as the original version.
Make sure you understand the marketing (thin snacks are not a diet food) and the health halo effect that some of these foods are getting that may lead you to eat more because you think they are better for you.