Smart Snacking On The Go

Life on the road for a short vacation or for work  can lend itself to eating meals and snacks that are quick and affordable, but can be high in fat and calories.

Snacking has become a way of life for many individuals and if well chosen, can contribute to your daily nutrient needs.  Snacks are a great way to help keep your energy level steady and your mind alert until your next full meal.

Snacking is healthy at any age but for kids there are advantages. Since children have smaller appetites and tend to eat less at a meal, eating several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day can provide them with the nutrition they need for growth, development and activity.

Benefits of Snacking

Some studies suggest that eating frequent small meals is a better weight management strategy than eating one or two large meals. Eating healthy between-meal snacks can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent you from feeling too hungry and then overeating at meals. However, it’s important to pay attention to what types of snacks you eat. Smart snacking is all about choosing healthy, nutritious snacks.

Tips on Healthy Snacking
 

• When buying snack foods, read labels and be aware of high fat and sodium content foods
   
• Think ahead and plan snacks, and always try and include nutrition and wellness when planning. Choose whole grain crackers, breads or cereals instead of refined products, opt for lower fat yogurts like NESTLÉ  SLIM Dahi, unbuttered popcorn instead of chips
   
• Be sure that your snack is for hunger and nutrition – not because you are bored or stressed
   
• If you find yourself snacking mindlessly, move to a different location so you can eat in awareness

What is a Healthy Snack?

Snacks can be the same as small meals, with foods from the four food groups. They should include complex carbohydrates (grains, cereals) some lean protein (low fat cheese, yogurt, lean meat, chicken, beans) , vitamins and minerals (fruits and vegetables) and a small amount of fat

• First of all, moderation, variety, and balance are just as important for snacks and desserts as for main dishes. Incorporate items from different food groups and consider snacks and desserts part of your overall nutrition plan
   
• If it is impossible for you to ban your favourite high-fat, high-sugar, or high-sodium foods, limit portion size and alternate with healthier items. For example a tasty snack need not be soft drinks and chips all the time. Try milk or juice and oatmeal cookies, fruit, or veggie sticks with a low-fat dip for more minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Another good option is yogurt—cool, creamy, and a source of calcium and probiotics, which help maintain healthy bones and an efficient digestive system. NESTLÉ offers a range of yoghurts to choose from: NESTLÉ REAL FRUIT Yoghurt, NESTLÉ SLIM Dahi, NESTLÉ BHUNA JEERA RAITA. By mixing options, snack time will also become an exciting adventure in tastes and textures
   
•  If you’re having kebabs for supper, end with fresh fruit. Boring? Squeeze lemon, mix in a variety of fruits, sprouts,cottage cheese,some rice flakes or cornflakes  or add low-fat cream to make fruit salad. If you long for cake or ice cream, pair it with baked, not fried, chicken or fish and a vegetable dish. For baked goodies, get sugar-free products or recipes using whole-wheat/multi-grain flour  and replace frosting with a dusting of powdered sugar or pureed fruit. Also look for fat-free, low-sugar ice creams. Chocolates can also serve as good snack in between eg NESTLÉ KIT KAT, NESTLÉ MUNCH
   
• Just eat what you need to stave off hunger (for snacks) or to cap your meal (for desserts). If your snack doesn’t last an hour, try more protein, such as a peanut butter or cheese sandwich; they take longer to digest. Ask yourself why you’re eating: are you hungry or just depressed, stressed, or bored? Mindless nibbling may lead to overeating
   
• In a nutshell, nutritious, delicious snacks and desserts are possible if we examine our eating options, needs, and habits and aim for balanced nutrition. Explore and experiment with the many choices available. We may never look at snacks and desserts the same way again

• Preparation Time :10 Mins
• Cooking Time :20 Mins
• Serves : 6