Read my latest News Article Nutrition Notes: Improve snack habits

Posted September 2nd, 2009 by Elaine Hastings, RD - Nutrition Expert and filed in The News-Press Column

Nutrition Notes: Improve snack habits

Elaine Hastings • Special to news-press.com • September 1, 2009

When it comes to nutrition, the school year brings a new set of challenges for teachers, parents and children who are moving at a fast pace. By planning ahead and structuring schedules, you can improve snacking habits.

Snacking doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but you need to know how to make better choices. Eating healthy snacks throughout the day can be beneficial by preventing overeating at mealtime, increasing your energy level throughout the day, keeping you more alert and controlling hunger pangs.

The best way to ensure that you are making healthy snack choices is to plan ahead. This way, when the “snack attack” hits, you won’t reach for those potato chips or cookies.

By selecting healthy snacks, having them readily available when you are hungry, and limiting the quantity of snacks to support a balanced diet, you are better prepared to snack more healthfully.

Remember that while snacking can be healthy, you must remember to watch your total calorie intake per day in order to maintain a healthy weight.

— Elaine Hastings is a registered dietitian and owner of Associates in Nutrition and Sports Specialty in Florida. Contact her at AssociatesinNutrition.com or Elaine@AssociatesinNutrition.com.

© Copyright 2009 Elaine Hastings, RD. All rights reserved.