Whistling your way to better health
Even if you eat breakfast and lunch, if you’re like most people you feel hungry or low on energy in the afternoon. Here’s what healthy afternoon snacks can do for you:
- Boost productivity
- Help you think more clearly
- Keep you in a good mood
- Contribute to weight loss by preventing overeating
But don’t just grab something out of the candy bowl or nearest vending machine. Consider the perfect snack to meet your needs, whether you need an energy boost, are trying to lose weight, or have to work with a restricted diet.
Snacks for Weight Loss
Eating food to lose weight seems contradictory, but when you eat small meals frequently you feel full, which makes it easier to drive past that McDonald’s on your way home and to not eat 300 calories of junk while you’re making dinner. Consider that two ounces of potato chips contain around 300 calories and offer nothing of nutritional value in return. If you instead opt for some organic popcorn in the afternoon, you’ll get the same slightly salty satisfaction with fewer calories.
If you prefer something a little sweet instead, Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, making it an excellent snack in a convenient, small package.
A third option is some whole-grain crackers with a layer of hummus. The crackers, garbanzo beans, and olive oil provide a healthy mix of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and a small amount of fat to help you feel full.
Pick-Me-Up Snacks
The right afternoon snack should complement your lunch and combat fatigue. Numerous studies show that glucose inhibits neurons that help people feel awake, yet protein counteracts this effect. This means that if you eat some carbs at lunch, a snack filled with protein might prevent you from getting sleepy once your body breaks those carbs down into glucose. Protein is also good for satiation, so you’re less likely to have a second afternoon snack or an extra-large dinner.
A quarter cup of nuts and dried fruits could also provide you with enough protein to feel full without overdoing it on the calories. The fruit gives you a little something sweet without putting you to sleep. A small apple with protein could produce a similar effect.
If you’d prefer something packaged that you can throw in your suitcase, a high-protein cereal bar could work, just be sure you’re getting a healthy, whole-grain bar and not a candy bar masquerading as health food. Look for a bar with no more than 15 grams of sugar. Consider cutting the bar in two and having half for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack and the second half in the afternoon.
Snacks for People With Allergies
If you’re allergic to gluten, soy, nuts, or dairy and can’t eat commonly recommended snacks, there are other options. A hard-boiled egg provides a good source protein. Some gluten-free crackers with hummus would be suitable for most people with food allergies. If you’re allergic to peanuts but can handle almonds you could spread almond butter on a small apple, or try it with banana chips.
About the Author
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health advocate and researcher and the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy“. Mr. Isaacs also has The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. He is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. Mr. Isaacs also hosts the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs – featuring Luella May” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup“. He is working on a major book project due for publication later this year. Mr. Isaacs and his partner Luella May can be heard live every Wednesday evening on “The Best Years in Life Radio Show“.
