Snacking is a huge part of many fun events. Sitting down for a movie, walking around at an amusement park, or even spending a day with family, most people will snack throughout. While snacking in itself is not wrong, it can be problematic depending on the foods chosen.

The good news is, that there is a more beneficial way to snack, especially if you are living with chronic diseases or diabetes. Here are a few tips for choosing guilt-free snacks.

Choosing Guilt-Free Snacks

Start with the Why of Snacking

One of the most important things to do when looking at snacking is to ask yourself why. Why do you feel the need to snack? It may be that you are a bit hungry. It could be that you are bored. It may even be because it’s what is socially acceptable in a situation.

Here are a few things to look at when asking yourself why you are really snacking:

• Are you snacking because of boredom? - Oftentimes snacking is a go-to activity when you are bored. This could be because you are looking for a way to keep yourself busy or entertain yourself. It can help to replace boredom snacking with an activity that keeps your hands busy. Things such as crocheting, fidget toys, or even playing a game on your phone can be a great distraction.
• Are you snacking because it’s a social norm? - When at a variety of events, it can be easy to snack because everyone is. This can seem harmless but can lead to overconsuming foods that might be harmful to your health. There are a few ways to enjoy these social norms without issues. One option may be to bring a snack that aligns with your health goals. Another might be to replace snacking with another activity.
• Are you snacking because of an emotional reaction to a situation? - Emotional snacking is one of the biggest culprits of unhealthy snacking. It is fairly common to turn to a favorite snack as a reward for something well-done or as a comfort in a hard situation. This emotional tie to food can work against your health goals and leave you feeling unwell. It can help to find alternative ways to celebrate wins and process losses in life that aren’t directly related to snacking.
• Are you snacking because you are hungry? - One of the biggest things that can be a struggle when adjusting to new eating habits, is looking at the feeling of hunger differently. Often, people will eat to feel full. Eating to feel full is not the goal of eating. Instead, you are eating to give your body the nutrients it needs to function properly. Taking time to evaluate your definition of hunger can help you to avoid snacking without reason.

Take an Honest Look at your Current Snacks

As you are working to make choices to change your eating habits, it can be good to take time and look at some of the choices you’ve already been making. Some of the snacks you enjoy may be working against your health goals.

Taking the time to take stock of your current snack habits can help you to see where you might need to make changes. Ask yourself if the food items you are snacking have ingredients you can’t recognize or if the snacks you chose are helping you reach your goals.

Spend a bit of time looking at your current snacking habits to find areas to make small changes that will have a huge impact on your overall health.

Change the Way you Snack

Once you have taken the time to look at why you snack, it can be helpful to look at how you snack. Making small changes to the way you eat and the way you snack can make a world of difference in your health.

The great thing is, there are simple changes you can make that will have a huge impact. Simple changes over time can make a big difference in your health.

Here are a few changes to consider when trying to make healthier snacking choices in the future:

• Don’t skip breakfast - Skipping breakfast can seem like a good option when you are in a hurry. However, it can lead to unnecessary snacking later in the day. Try choosing an all-day energy bowl with a scoop of Amla Green added, a bowl of apple cinnamon breakfast oats with a scoop of Amla Green, or even an acai bowl with a scoop of Amla Green. These options will help you to have the energy you need without the urge to snack later in the day.
• Choose nutrition-packed meals - When eating lunch and dinner it can be tempting to pick quick and easy meals that don’t always have the needed nutrients. A few options to consider might be zoodles with red lentil marinara, stuffed delicata squash, bok choy wild mushroom soup, or even a curry car-bowl hydrate with an added scoop of Amla Green. These recipes are packed with nutrients that are sure to help cut down on snacking and fuel your body for the day.
• Change up your snacks - If you are going to snack, it can help to switch out snacks to find things that are more beneficial to your health. A few recipes to consider would be sweet and savory southern peach salad, nut-free cheesy kale chips, a hydrating fruit plate, or even a refreshing apple and berry bowl. Adding Amla Green powder can be a great way to elevate the snacks you are choosing!
• Rethink your sweet tooth - One of the biggest ways to get in trouble with snacking is accommodating your sweet tooth. While you can resist that urge, sometimes it can be helpful to replace that sweet treat you used to choose with an option that is better for you. Some options might include chia seed pudding, plant-based cookies, mint chocolate chip nice cream, or even finding a favorite fruit that will pack the sweet flavors without the unnecessary health limitations.