Is snacking really good for you?

Snacking has a bad reputation but done in the right way it can actually help you lose weight, tame cravings, perk up your metabolism, stabilize blood sugar, increase your energy and promote health. What else can do all that?

The trick is to make snacks healthy ones, balance them correctly, and not make them into full blown meals. You want them to be about 150-200 calories depending on your food plan and you want to space them out adequately around three to fours hours apart. Here are some ideas:

• Maple-nut yogurt: mix non-fat yogurt (I enjoy Trader Joe's European style non-fat yogurt myself) with a teaspoon of real maple syrup and walnut pieces. Add stevia for more sweetness if desired.
• 1 mini bag of popcorn (about 100 calories) and 5-7 almonds.
• Hummus dip and fresh veggies. (This is also a convenient way to work veggies into your food plan.)

These may not be quite your idea of snacks, but remember it truly is what you you get used to and these snacks won't add to waist line like chips, ice cream, and cookies! It's amazing how after a short period of time my clients tell me how pleasantly surprised they are to be enjoying fruit and veggies for snacks!