Did snack time end with nap time when you were a kid? Or are you combatting the munchies all day long? Whatever you current snacking situation, these tips will  help improve the way you snack and control your appetite!

To snack or not to snack?

Many people might think that eating snacks might lead them to eat more food and gain weight. But that certainly isn’t the case! Eating a snack or two throughout the day can help curb your hunger and help prevent you from overeating at meals. Snacking can also kick a craving or pack in some extra vitamins and minerals. The key is to snack smart.

Smart snacking tips and tricks

How DOES one snack smarter? There are more than a few ways to improve your snacking skills and pack in some nutritious mini meals to power you through your day. We won’t name all of them, but here are a few to get you started:

1.    Snack on Fruits and veggies

Most people aren’t consuming enough fruits and vegetables in their regular meals. Eating them for snacks can fill in the gaps in your diet and provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

2.    Chew your snacks

Studies have revealed that chewing your food more can help you feel fuller and more satisfied. Munching on something crunchy like almonds is a great way to satisfy your growling  stomach!

3.    Spice it up!

Add spices and herbs to a plain snack, like those crunchy almonds, to make them savory or sweet (or a little of both!).

4.    Don’t snack mindlessly

Try not to be distracted while you are eating, so you can be aware of how much you have eaten. If you like to have a snack while sitting down to watch a movie, only bring one serving size of the snack to reduce your chances of overeating.

5.    Combine proteins and carbs

Pairing a high protein food such as nuts or dairy with a high carbohydrate food like granola can not only help the snack to feel more like a small meal, but it will also help you feel fuller for longer. It’s a great way to get some quick energy without worrying about getting hungry again too quickly.

If all of these tips have just made you hungry, maybe you need a snack! 

Try out this awesome recipe for honey roasted almonds. As I’ve mentioned a couple of times, almonds make a perfect snack! They are great to munch on, you can flavor them however you want, they make a perfect movie munchie, and they pack in some excellent protein! Stored in an airtight container, this tasty snack will last for several days.

Honey Roasted Almonds:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups raw, unblanched almonds

1 tablespoon sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions: 

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the almonds in a medium nonstick skillet; cook over medium heat for 6 minutes or until lightly toasted, shaking pan frequently. Combine the remaining ingredients in a 2-cup glass measure. Microwave at HIGH for 30 seconds. Add honey mixture to pan, and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Arrange almond mixture on prepared baking sheet in a single layer; let stand 10 minutes. Break apart any clusters.