WIC supports breastfeeding as the optimal infant feeding choice!

WIC supports breastfeeding as the optimal infant feeding choice!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Snacking Smart!

Does your stomach start rumbling between meals? Snacking is a great way to quiet your stomach and satisfy your hunger. It can also help you not overeat at your next meal. I know that when I’m starving at a mealtime, I will eat everything in sight and make less healthy choices. That’s why I eat a small snack between meals to hold me over until my next meal. While snacking can help improve your nutrition, it can also add a lot of empty calories if you aren’t careful. Try following these tips and some of my favorite snack ideas to start snacking smart!


Tips for Snacking Smart:
  • Only snack if you’re physically hungry- not out of habit!
  • Don’t eat out the food bag or package- put your food into a small bowl or on a small plate so that you know how much you’re eating.
  • Pay attention to what you’re eating by turning off the TV or computer and eating at the table- focus on your food.
  • Aim for 100-200 calories- look at the nutrition label to figure out how many calories you’re eating.
  • Eat a fruit or vegetable as part of every snack.
  •  Plan ahead and prepare healthy snacks in advance so that they are ready to grab and go.
  •  Incorporate foods high in protein such as 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, a slice of cheese, ¼ cup of beans, a hard-boiled egg, or Greek yogurt to help keep you full for longer.

Easy Snack Ideas:
  • Celery sticks with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
  • 1 container of Greek yogurt with a banana or ½ cup of fresh fruit
  • 1 slice of wheat bread or 6 crackers with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
  • Cheese stick with an apple
  • 1 cup of lightly salted popcorn and a handful of nuts
  • ¼ cup of homemade trail mix with nuts, raisins, and dry cereal
  • Pack of oatmeal made with nonfat milk
  • 1 cup of vegetables with 1 slice of cheese

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