Smart snacking: Your way to health

What  we eat makes a big difference in the way we look and feel. But today’s busy lifestyle often means we are tempted to make unhealthy food choices, and even skip meals, because of lack of time. These choices can have a negative impact on our health, energy and even Choosing a healthy snack between meals can be a good way to satisfy hunger throughout the day, keep energy levels high, manage weight and add important needed vitamins and nutrients to our diet.

To manage weight, choose snacks wisely

Research shows that eating six small meals, as opposed to three heavy ones, at intervals helps in beating work related stress and is ideal for those trying to shed weight. This should however be a healthy mix of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein.

The above balance can easily be attained by various options like carrying fruits from home which can be eaten in between meals. By making smart food choices and developing healthy eating habits, we can find it much easier to stay slim, control cravings, and feel energetic all day long. These small changes in our daily life can have a significant impact on our health in the long-term.

So next time you feel the urge to reach out to the nearest packet of wafers, instead try a handful of California pistachios. Just 30 nuts makes a delicious 100-calorie snack that is easy to carry, satisfying and adds extra protein and fiber to your day to help you feel satisfied.

Snack well, Love your heart

Many people have been led to believe that dietary fat is unhealthy and will contribute to weight gain. But fats are a necessary part of a healthy diet and can play a role in promoting satiety. But be careful to avoid fried, unhealthy snacks that are heavily processed. Instead go natural. Experts say that a daily dose of California pistachios may also offer protective benefits against heart disease.

That’s because pistachios contain phytosterols which compete with cholesterol from the diet for absorption. Pistachios also offer many different antioxidants, which can help to support the heart and the body. In fact, in the US, pistachios are supported by the FDA health claim for heart health which states: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pistachios, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Nuts are an excellent natural snack. Among nuts, pistachios are one of the most nutritious.

A one-ounce serving of pistachios, with 49 kernels and 170 calories, gives you a variety of different vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients including vitamin B6, copper and manganese; important vitamins and minerals for the body. The little nut also provides potassium and is a good source of phosphorus and magnesium.

Whatever our age, committing to a healthy diet will help us look and feel our best so that we stay on top of our commitments and enjoy life.

Naini Setalvad

Nutritionist and obesity health consultant