There’s a range of reasons why people snack and there’s mixed information on how it impacts your health. We thought we’d take a closer look from a dietitian's perspective.
Why do we snack?
We all snack for different reasons. Some snack to relieve hunger, others to cure boredom. We may snack out of habit or purely just because we can’t resist the temptation. A bunch of other factors like location, social environment, time of day, and food availability all contribute as well.
It’s good to understand why we’re snacking. For your self-care activity this week, why not take note of your snacking moments? Are you actually hungry or are you just bored? Perhaps that big walk you went on left you needing some extra fuel? Try to hone in on your hunger and satiety (fullness) cues and pay attention to how you’re really feeling. This will help you to better understand what’s leading you to snack.
Should we snack?
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer. It really just falls down to personal preference. However here at Fodbods, we absolutely LOVE snacking because it:
- Provides us with an extra energy boost
- Keeps our blood sugar levels nice and stable
- Satisfies our hunger and prevents us from overeating at the next meal
- Helps us to meet our nutritional needs and requirements
- Allows us to take a break from our busy day and enjoy something delicious
It’s important to note that even though it’s often suggested, eating regularly hasn’t been shown to boost our metabolism (sorry to burst any bubbles). So if you’re snacking purely for this reason, you’re unlikely to notice a difference.
What should we be snacking on?
A bit of a shameless plug, but how can we not?! Made from only wholesome, natural, and organic ingredients, all of our products are certified FODMAP friendly, plant-based and gluten-free. They’re all easy on the tummy, taste absolutely incredible, and are super convenient!
Our protein bars provide the optimal balance of macronutrients and are great for when you’re super busy or need a big chunk of energy, whilst our buddies make the perfect bite-sized treat to satisfy those sweet cravings.
Some other healthy, low FODMAP snacks that we love include:
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Boiled eggs
- Cheese and rice crackers
Fodbods Top 4 Snacking Tips
1. Make sure you have access to healthy snacks for when hunger strikes!
By keeping snacks handy in your gym bag, the car, in your desk at work, you’ll be less likely to make that 3 pm trip to the vending machine and eat something you know your body won’t thank you for later...
2. Keep your healthy snacks at eye level in the pantry or fridge at home.
This will prevent you from forgetting about them (no excuses hehe) and keep healthy snacks front of mind. On that note, try and limit any unhealthy snacks in the house (like sugary drinks, baked goods, and fried foods) to help make the healthier choice a no-brainer!
3. Try to snack on something high in protein or fibre.
This will keep you feeling fuller for longer! Try adding some yogurt to your fruit or peanut butter or a low FODMAP dip to your veggie sticks. Keep in mind Fodbods are already high in protein (how convenient!) ;)
4. Snack mindfully!
Limit as many distractions as possible i.e. stay away from your phone or TV when it’s time to eat. By eating slowly and chewing your food well, you’ll not only be more present and likely enjoy the food more but also improve your digestion!
