Dani Spies

To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Maybe you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe crazed nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it (without judgement) and then begin thinking how you can feed these needs without turning to food.  How can you create a life that is nourishing and satisfying in every avenue?

Although there are no substitutes for living your best life, snacks can be great energy boosters, mood lifters and a healthy and fun way to keep your body fully nourished, as long as you use a little common sense. So many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Snack on things that don’t come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice cakes with almond butter and fruit spread. Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.

You can also try “upgrading” your snacks. 

Here are some examples:

• If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain crackers.
• If you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
• If you are craving a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea.

Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won’t feel physically or psychologically deprived, and you’ll have plenty of energy to use throughout your day!

Snacking is enjoyable and there are a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you’re craving, be it sweet, crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack!