Do you find yourself constantly fumbling in the snack drawer because you need something to get through the long day? The only thing that sometimes keeps you up is being able to snack endlessly when you are already working at home. But is that really so useful? With the following tips you can continue to snack, but you do it a lot more consciously and healthier. Win-win!
We often grab another chippie or chocolate bar, purely because we are bored or want to have something to do with our hands. Next time when you want to grab a snack from the cupboard, think about whether you are really hungry or just bored? Do you notice it's the latter? Then go do something creative with your hands, such as drawing, doing puzzles or cleaning up. Have you forgotten that hunger and you also become zen!
Read also :'3 healthy alternatives for an unhealthy snack'
If you have decided that you really need a snack and are not just bored, opt for a protein-rich snack. This ensures that you are left with energy and a full feeling and that you will not be standing in front of the fridge again in 10 minutes. That way you will be satisfied until your next big meal. Options for protein-rich snacks include hard-boiled eggs, vegetables with hummus, or a protein bar.
Have you often gobbled up your snack within three seconds and do you not feel as satisfied as you had hoped? Then try to eat small amounts over a longer period of time. Your brain takes up to about 20 minutes to register that you are eating. So fill a bowl with small snacks such as nuts, pieces of (dark) chocolate or dried fruit and eat them at a leisurely pace. If you find that too much of a hassle, you can also cut a protein bar into small pieces.
Fruits and vegetables can be a good option for a snack. They contain a lot of fiber and you can combine them well with your favorite dips. Try combining some carrots, cucumbers and peppers with spicy hummus – delicious and healthy!
It may sound strange to schedule your snacks, but if you allow yourself the time to snack, there is a smaller chance that you will eat in between. By scheduling moments when you can snack, you prevent that you eat too much or too many unhealthy things. You can also prevent yourself from getting very hungry, which also ensures that you can make healthier choices.
Replace the unhealthy snacks in your cupboard with healthy ones so that you are not tempted when you decide to grab a snack. For the real control freaks among us, preparatory work is the perfect solution. Prepare bowls with your favorite fruits and vegetables for dipping or cook some eggs for the rest of the week. Have a snack!
Source: Realsimple.com
