Hey there, viewers!
For years, most of us have just assumed that eating less is better for our health.
This has created a stigma against snacks.
Snacks are often looked down on, but they don't always deserve this reputation.
When the day drags on and you’re falling asleep at your desk, it may seem completely
natural to look for something to keep your mood and energy up.
In today’s video, we will highlight the advantages of healthy snacking.
Can snacking provide more nutrients?
What about improving your metabolism?
Wait, is it really okay for me to eat before bed?
We’re talking about all of this AND more...
More nutrients and vitamins While three full meals a day is the norm for
most people, taking a break to nibble between meals can actually be very healthy.
If you eat something other than the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner items, they can
be extremely beneficial for your lifestyle.
Research states that eating snacks between meals promotes satiety and stops overconsumption
later on.
Snacking can increase our nutrient intake, and allow us to reap the benefits from a variety
of foods.
Studies have shown the benefits of snacking on the population, including specific groups
who are at risk of nutrient deficiencies.
If you need extra protein, vitamins, and fiber, adding more foods with these nutrients will
help.
Studies show that whole foods high in protein, fiber, and whole grains enhance satiety when
eaten as snacks.
These include yogurt, nuts and even popcorn!
If you are amongst the individuals who eat standard meals on time, it’s possible that
you might be missing out on the essential vitamins.
As a result, you may suffer from brittle nails and hair loss.
Snacking helps you add more nutrients to your diet.
It’s so hard to get all the vitamins you need just by eating 3 times a day.
This is why eating fruits and veggies is often recommended.
Which nutritious snack is your favorite?
How often do you have it?
At what time of day?
Sound off in the comment section, and start a conversation with our Bestie community...
Deal with overeating We've all been there before -- Trying to watch
what we eat, only to finally give in and have something unhealthy.
Starving yourself throughout the day is a one way ticket to a bloated belly.
While a nutrient-rich diet is important, giving up on snacks when hungry will only increase
your cravings and make you sick.
This approach makes keeping a healthy lifestyle seem like a chore.
A study showed that men who ate high-protein and high-fiber snack bars had lower levels
of the hunger hormone ghrelin (grell-in), and higher levels of the fullness hormone
GLP-1.
We would recommend you to eat delicious, hearty snacks between meals.
These can be things like peanut butter, cheese, and fruit.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner may not be enough for everyone.
Snacks will keep you awake, and also prevent overeating when it's finally time for your
main meals.
You can even schedule your snack times.
This method is popular in places like Japan and Sweden.
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Enhance your brain power While food has usually been associated with
energy and muscle, its ability to help you think is also being recognized.
A good snack can be just what you need to get you through your work day.
Anyone who’s worked in an office can back me up with this...
The brain uses glucose for fuel, especially when performing complex tasks.
With low blood sugar, your mental capacity is severely impaired.
Eating foods like chocolate or nuts improves your mental focus.
According to experts, snacking between meals increases your ability to concentrate, especially
when you eat foods that promote focus, such as blueberries, avocados, or dark chocolate.
Healthy snacking makes it easier for you to learn in class, work in the office, and stay
in the moment when out with friends.
Since snacks keep you full, you won’t be as depressed throughout the day.
Actually, this is a good lead-in to our next entry...
Beat your afternoon slumps Most of us know that if you don’t eat, you’re
more vulnerable to physical illness.
Well, you’re also vulnerable to mental illness.
There are few feelings worse than afternoon depression, especially if it’s on an empty
stomach.
When you’re stuck between lunch and dinner, you often fight fatigue.
This stops you from working the way you usually do, decreasing your productivity.
But eating between meals will help you recharge.
Just be cautious of snacks that make you sleepy, such as bread, pasta, or red meat.
Depression during the day is a natural response to circadian rhythms.
It can drag you into a deep sleep during the afternoon hours.
But this afternoon depression can be avoided by consuming fruits and vegetables.
Dried fruits and unsalted peanuts can also help fight cravings.
Before we move ahead, here’s another video you might like.
Are you constantly craving food?
There might be a problem here.
Watch and learn 9 reasons why you're always hungry.
Now back to our talk on the benefits of snacking.
Improve your metabolism If your body is getting the proper amount
of healthy food, it will turn into a well-functioning machine.
Eating heart-healthy snacks like walnuts will also keep your heart and blood vessels in
check.
Studies suggest that eating protein-rich, high-fiber snacks can help you lose weight.
So the next time you're told what to eat less of, remember that your metabolism has to work
regularly to maximize performance.
When you think about healthy snacks, keep protein and healthy fats in mind.
Remember that the purpose of snacking is to build a bridge to your next meal.
It’s not supposed to become the main meal.
Also, don’t forget to choose the right size snacks to fill your hunger.
Just make sure you’re still hungry by the time your next meal rolls around.
Improve your social life You probably weren’t expecting this one.
I mean, scarfing back a messy hot dog in front of a group of people isn’t the most efficient
way to make friends.
Luckily, this isn't what we’re talking about.
If you’re on a date, one of the best things two people can do is share an appetizer at
a restaurant.
This way, you’re filling your stomach, while getting to know the other person.
It’s been proven that eating together increases happiness and improves relationships.
Most of us know the feeling of anxiety when meeting a new person.
Sharing something as simple as a basket of fries will help you break the ice faster.
Control your blood sugar levels Anyone who has had to measure their blood
sugar with a glucometer will tell you how important it is to prepare a snack when your
levels are out of balance.
What we eat has a massive impact on our blood and body.
Even if you’re not a diabetic, you still need to be careful.
Research suggests that low-carb, high-fiber snacks have a much better effect on blood
sugar and insulin levels than high-carb foods.
This is for both diabetics and non-diabetics.
Eating small snacks throughout the day helps your body and blood sugar stay balanced throughout
the day.
This is much better than simply eating three large meals.
Get a good night’s rest When was the last time you went to sleep,
and felt refreshed the next morning?
One of those mornings where you feel like you can literally do anything.
Well a quick snack before settling down for the night can make you feel this way.
I know what you’re thinking…
Eating before bed?
Won’t that make you feel gross?
No!
Eating before bed isn't always unhealthy.
You just have to be eating the right thing.
For example, almonds improve sleep quality because they contain melatonin.
Calcium-rich snacks prevent sleep disturbances.
Drinking a cup of warm milk or chamomile tea before bed can even help you lose weight.
Healthy snacks will help you get that sleep you deserve, and leave you ready for the next
day.
While we’ve been told for years that eating less is the best method for weight loss, satisfying
your body with a healthy snack can do a lot more.
The next time you reach for a healthy snack in between meals, you can do it guilt-free.
A little extra eating can actually be great for your body!
Just make sure you choose healthy foods that keep you full and satisfied.
Let’s keep things going with a couple more food-related videos, shall we?
Here’s what you need to know.
Check out 12 healthy and tasty snacks for teens.
Or how about 15 healthy late-night snacks you can eat?
Go ahead, click one.
Or better yet, watch both, and learn how to eat your favorite snacks the right way.
Do you, or anyone you know love snacking?
Let us know in the comments below!