Snack Attacks

Snacking between meals actually helps to keep your metabolism fueled and as a result you energy improves and your blood sugar is stable. Having a snack can also control food cravings and might just even improve your mood.

However, if you are going to have a snack make sure you keep the calories around 100 to 200 per serving and that it contains at least 3 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber or 5 grams of healthy fat. This will help you feel satisfied and you won't over eat.

Eating unrefined fats that are found in avocados, nuts, seeds and whole grains make for a good selection. You will want to avoid food with trans fats, artificial additives and synthetic colors, sweeteners or flavors.

The next time you are looking for a snack make sure you are getting food that is nutritious as well as satisfying.

If you prefer a little sweet and a little bit salty to your snacks, you might want to try trail mix, nutty granola, or yummy peanut or other nut butter.  The protein, fiber and heart healthy fats mean you you only need a handful to to satisfy your hunger.  The nuts and seeds in trail mix offer great sources of magnesium, trace minerals and protein.  You can easily make up your own trail mix or portable sandwich bags of peanuts, almonds or your favorite nut or combination of nuts.  Add a little dried fruit for some variety.  You might also like to snack on granola - you don't have to keep this great snack only for breakfast.

Eating foods that aren't sweetened with sugar will help to keep you blood sugar in check and won't fuel food cravings. For satisfying your sweet tooth try eating fresh fruit, freeze-dried fruit or cookies sweetened with fruit juice.

Another non sweet snack idea is nuts. They offer plenty of protein, are satisfying to eat and also have some health benefits. According to some studies, the risk of fatal coronary disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes both appear to decrease as nut consumption increases.

Also high fiber energy bars made with nuts and fruits are a good choice too. And for you chocolate lovers, try dark chocolate covered goji berries or mulberries. Both are rich in antioxidants and delicious.