Some people think all snacking is bad probably because they equate ‘snacking’ with foods high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories

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Most of us are making more trips to the kitchen these days. In addition to simply being home more, there are a few reasons we may be eating more often—boredom, in need of a distraction or perhaps to deal with something a little deeper like anxiety or depression.

In any case, the temptations to eat while stuck at home are heightened for all of us, which can create the potential for unhealthy consequences if we stray too far from our usual diets.

One reason snacking has such a bad rap is that so many common ‘snack foods’ are high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many health-conscious consumers already stayed away from these types of products; now however people are stocking up on whatever is available at grocery stores—changing the way we all eat. Even with these limitations, the important thing to remember is that choosing the right foods—even when we’re snacking—will allow us to maintain our health during these uncertain times.

The important thing to remember is that choosing the right foods—even when we’re snacking—will allow us to maintain our health during these uncertain times

While some people think all snacking is bad—probably because they equate snacking with snack foods—I’ve always been solidly in the pro-snacking camp. For one, a small nutritious, balanced snack can help keep you energized between meals and help control your hunger at mealtimes. When the foods you choose are appropriate, if you are truly hungry, and if you’re able to maintain healthy snacking habits, that’s one less thing to worry about during this pandemic. If you’re worried about how much you’re eating throughout the day, here are five tips to help you snack smartly:

You may actually be dehydrated

Many of us will mindlessly walk to the cupboard and find something to nosh on thinking we need to feed a food craving. The truth is that you may actually be mildly dehydrated, and your body is really just craving fluids. Before you reach for a snack, pour yourself a glass of water, or a sports drink with electrolytes, to see if that will help tide you over a little longer, or try a light watery snack like fruit.

Before you reach for a snack, drink water or a sports drink with electrolytes to see if that will help tide you over a little longer

Healthy snacking can help you work more nutritious foods into your day

Think of it this way: the more often you eat, the easier it will be to incorporate your daily servings of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and calcium-rich dairy products. Use this opportunity to turn snacking into a healthy practice by preparing snacks that provide a mix of low-fat protein (like nuts, soy protein products or nonfat dairy foods) and healthy carbohydrates (like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains). The carbs will get digested first and satisfy your hunger right away, and the protein will give your snack a bit more staying power.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, many health-conscious consumers already stayed away from these types of products; now however people are stocking up on whatever is available at the grocery stores—changing the way we all eat. Even with these limitations, the important thing to remember is that choosing the right foods—even when we’re snacking—will allow us to maintain our health during these uncertain times

Snacks can fuel your physical and mental energy

It’s normal to get hungry every three to four hours. When you eat regular meals and snacks, it can help keep your blood sugar more stable throughout the day. That’s a good defense against between-meal dips in blood sugar that can sap your mental and physical energy.

If you tend to snack when you’re not hungry, it’s a habit you might want to think about breaking

Have that second lunch

A substantial afternoon snack can help control portions at dinner. Many people manage to control their eating pretty well during the day but, when the day’s over and it’s time to relax, end up eating a huge dinner. For those people, a larger afternoon snack—almost a small second lunch—makes it much easier to cut back on dinner.

The afternoon stretch between lunch and dinner can be a difficult time, so have something a little more substantial like a protein shake, a cup of cottage cheese with fruit, or even a low-calorie frozen meal. Then you can do your cutting back at dinner time. And, if after-dinner snacking is a problem for you, try brushing your teeth after dinner. It works as a great signal to stop eating.

Rethink your snacking habits

If you’re eating unhealthy foods like sweets, chips, and sodas, keep in mind that these high-calorie snacks offer little, if any, nutritional value. You should also think about the reasons you’re eating and identify whether it’s something other than hunger.

If you tend to snack when you’re not hungry (maybe you’re bored, stressed, angry or tired), it’s a habit you might want to think about breaking. Think of other ways to deal with your emotions. Take a walk, call a friend, write on a journal or spend a few minutes meditating. Taking a break for a few minutes will give you time to evaluate whether you’re truly hungry or not.

Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND is the senior director of worldwide nutrition education and training at Herbalife Nutrition