Most of us like to snack at least occasionally. The trouble is that we often snack too much and eat too many of the wrong kinds of foods when we snack, and this can of course lead to weight gain and unacceptable cholesterol levels. In addition, unhealthy snacks crowd out healthy food so that we become well-fed but undernourished.

The trick is to snack on real food not the packaged junk food that you can buy in the store or vending machines such as most microwave popcorn, cold cereal, chips, cookies, pretzels, candy bars, energy bars, yogurt with sugary fruit, etc. If snacking is done in moderation and you eat healthful foods when you snack, it can be a great way to boost energy, satisfy hunger, lose weight and tantalize your taste buds!

One of the reasons healthy snacking is thought to be good for you is that it can help balance blood sugar levels throughout the day. When blood sugar levels are stable, you are more likely to have stable energy levels and fewer mood swings. In addition, your body will need to produce insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels less frequently. When insulin is being produced, your body goes into fat storage mode versus fat burning mode and this can possibly contribute to weight gain and difficulties losing weight so keeping your insulin levels stable is very important. Read the rest of this entry »