Snacking Can Be Good For You

Even if you are trying to lose weight, you should snack. Snacking is good for you because it keeps your metabolism going, keeps your blood sugar levels stable and keeps you from over eating at meals. Plus, your body burns more calories if it is constantly digesting food. The problem is not snacking itself, but what you snack on. Here are some healthy ideas depending on what kind of foods you ar craving:

1.Salty. If you are craving salty foods stay away from the chips or heavily salted popcorn. Instead try olives, pretzels, pickles, hummus and carrots, light cheese, edamame lightly salted, or figs. These foods are all very nutritious and will zap your salty craving. Olives are especially great because even though they taste very salty, they are extremely good for you. Eat 6 olives per snack time and benefit from heart healthy Omega 3&undefined;s.

2.Sweet. Sweet cravings are the most popular. Instead of that chocolate bar or handful of  candy, try pure dark organic chocolate, fruit and yogurt, a banana with a handful of dark chocolate chips, or a healthy granola bar. There are many foods that can fill your sweet craving without being high in calories or sugar.  In moderation, dark chocolate is actually very good for you. It contains antioxidants which fight diseases and premature aing.

3.Crunchy. Again, out with the chips or fat filled crackers and in with the healthier substitutes. If you want to satisfy your crunch, try an apple, nuts, roasted chick peas, or sodium and fat reduced chips that are not too high in fat (vegetable chips are a healthier option). Popcorn is ok as long as you pop it yourself, do not add butter or salt and make sure it is organic.

Ideally, you should snack 2-3 times a day. Between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, and dinner and bed time if you are hungry. What gets you in trouble with snacking is portion size. Limit snacks to 100-150 calories so you don&undefined;t hurt your weight loss progress.