Transcript
Want to know the great news about snacking? You already have all you need to make great choices. So congratulations! and here are the 3 Top Notch ways to snack well using what you already know about nutrition.
Snacking, its a part of life. And when done well it helps keep your energy high & your mind thinking clearly until your next meal. So you probably already know when snacking does not serve you well… when you’re not hungry but munch because of some external situation. Like when you’re bored, at the movies or watching TV, or just because its on the table.
So, when you are in need of a healthy snack its common to choose snacks that are just easy or available because its become a habit. Do not feel bad about this!… choosing healthy snacks is a skill that over time turns into a habit. The great news!… you already know many healthy options… it’s just a matter of stoping for a moment.. and thinking…“what do i really want from my food.” If your ready to be a skilled healthy snacker use these 3 Top Notch ways to break habits and create ones using what you already know is best.
3 Top Notch ways to sack well TODAY!…
#1 Have your goal in mind! For example are you snacking to keep your energy high? Awesome! keep that goal in mind when choosing a snack. Ask yourself…
“What foods provide the long lasting energy i need to ________?”
“What foods feel good in my stomach?”
“What foods help me feel focused and mentally sharp?”
When you have a goal in mind its WAY easier to pass on “snack” foods that do nothing for your health. And you feel so proud of yourself because you kept your goal in mind and you chose to make it happen.
#2 Treats are part of a good life… Enjoy Them! Life is about experiences, happiness, smiles, celebration, family, friends, achievements, and all things awesome… that means when your at a birthday party enjoy yourself a slice of cake and a scoop of ice-cream! Okay okay… cake is not the most nutritious food ever made BUT food (and in this case CAKE) is part of YOUR food culture. The main point here is that you know why you are enjoying this treat… tastes good? celebrating? memories? What ever your reasoning you are aware of it, your enjoying mindfully and purposefully. So, when you have a treat BE IN THE MOMENT & enjoy it.
#3 3 GO-To’s! Think about 3 of your favorite snacks … the ones that keep your energy high, help you focus aka feel brilliant, and keep you satisfied. Now KEEP THEM CLOSE! you know what works, plan to have one or all of those snacks close by, easy to access, grab n’ go ready. The more often you have your Go-To snacks on hand the less often you choose snacks that bring you down. Good health is all about constancy (not perfection); therefore, go-to’s more often = happy healthy you!
Friends and family of Silver State… Keep your goals in mind - Use what you already know about nutrition - snack mindfully - & Snack well!
Shavawn M. Forester PhD, RDN (aka The Nutrient Dense RDN)
Nutrition Instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno
Founder of Nutrition Answered, LLC
& the Eat Well & WIN! Program for mom’s of growing athletes
Website: NutritionAnswered.com
Email: shavawn@nutritionanswered.com