The Importance of Healthy Snacking
Snacks sometimes get a bad rap. It’s often seen as a way to ingest a bunch of empty calories from processed foods made from too much sugar and ingredients with names that would even give Dr. Seuss a run for his money. But just because there are bad snack wraps, doesn’t mean snacking as a whole is bad for you. In fact, healthy snacks are a great way to stay healthy. If you’re looking for a way to keep your business’s employees happy, why not sign up for a healthy snack subscription with Simpalo Snacks? Read on to learn more about the importance of healthy snacking.
Healthy Snacking Prevents Overeating
Having small snacks throughout the day keeps you from getting hungry. That way, you aren’t tempted to pack away too much food at your next meal. If you’re hungry throughout the day, rather than waiting for lunch or dinner, eat a small healthy snack to keep your stomach satisfied. Protein-rich snacks like a handful of nuts, or a carbohydrate-rich snack like whole grains and fruits are a great way to get that feeling of being full without actually ingesting extra calories. When you feel full throughout the day, you’re less tempted to reach for unhealthy junk food.
Aids In Concentration
We touched on this important aspect in previous blog posts, but it’s worth mentioning again. When your body has a ready supply of energy to draw from, it can keep the blood pumping to your brain. This helps you stay focused on the task at hand. If you load up with heavy, greasy foods at mealtime, your body will spend more energy trying to process all of that food in your stomach and as a result, your brain won’t get the energy it needs, and your focus suffers.
Improved Energy Throughout The Day
We’ve all faced the dreaded mid-afternoon slump at the workplace. That first cup of coffee in the morning is finally wearing off, and you can feel your eyelids begin to sag. Rather than putting the coffee pot back on, pick up a healthy snack instead! When you introduce complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats into your digestive system, your body creates a steady stream of energy that will help you stay awake longer than a sugary cup of coffee will. Your body’s blood sugar levels won’t spike and dip throughout the day, giving you the energy you need to make it through the workday!
Increased Nutrient Intake
While our meals provide us with many of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals we need to stay healthy, sometimes we need a few extra to keep us feeling our best. Fruit- and vegetable-based snacks add vitamins A and C, which help keep your immune system strong. This ensures that the little cuts and nicks we get at the workplace heal quickly, and our gums and teeth are clean and healthy. Low-fat snacks add essential proteins that help keep your skin and hair looking their best.
Snack Effectively
While snacking can be a great way to keep your energy levels up throughout the day and keep us healthy, it’s only effective if it’s done correctly. It’s tempting to snack out of boredom, as a snack can provide a quick boost of energy that can help kick that malaise. You should also avoid snacking as a part of an emotional response. You should also avoid snacking if you aren’t feeling truly hungry, or you’re about to have a meal. This will prevent your snacking from leading to unwanted weight gain and overeating. The ideal snack should be about 100 calories but can be up to 250 if you’re replacing a meal with snacks.