ABSOLUTELY!

Snacking can not only work in your favor but it is essential for keeping your metabolism up and energy high. Also, snacking has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol and keep your mood "happy" and your mental acuity in tact. What could be better? But, Doritos and Teddy Grahams are not going to do this... You need to make smart snack decisions.

Think of snacks as mini meals. Snacks do not have to be chips or cookies. A couple slices of turkey is an excellent snack! So, if you are a "snacker" and have been snacking on a bite of a muffin, then some chips, then maybe a piece of fruit... TRY, starting the day off with a good breakfast that provides fiber and protein. This will help give your body a good foundation for the day.

Then, make your snacks mini meals by thinking about eating "real" food in snack size. For example, 2 fiber crackers with reduced fat cheddar cheese and honey mustard, non fat plain yogurt with 10 almonds, one cup of edamame, a whole wheat wrap spread with almond or peanut butter and rolled up, carrots dipped in hummus, apple and peanut butter or pear with Lite Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese.

Try to get fiber, protein and/or healthy fat at your snack. This will ensure adequate proportion of nutrients and help stabilize your blood sugar. Make a snack shopping list and keep these foods around all the time so you can always whip up a healthy snack for home or on the go.

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