A walk down the snack aisle can leave your head spinning. From new-to-the market snacks made from the vegetable du jour (cauliflower everything, we see you!), to front of package health claims like “low sugar,” it can be hard to decipher what’s actually good for you and what might just be really good marketing.
But your snacking habits can significantly impact your day. “Snacking is a good way to tame hunger if you’re going more than four to five hours between meals,” says Samantha Cassetty, M.S., RD. To build a satisfying snack that keeps you full between meals, aim to get a mix of protein, fiber, and fat (or at least two of the three). (See our 10 best snacks for weight loss.)
Snacks are also an opportunity to “boost your intake of nutritious food groups like fruits and vegetables as well as key nutrients like fiber,” notes Beth Stark, RDN, LDN. While whole foods are a sure way to boost your nutrient intake, many packaged snacks can contribute important nutrients and keep hunger at bay, too. (Learn about the best and worst late night snacks, according to a dietitian.)
To help you stock your kitchens, we’ve pulled together some of the best (and easiest!) options to always have on hand.
Read the full story at Eating Well.
