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It’s easy to turn one small snack session into an all-you-can-eat buffet from your fridge. Eating tons of snacks can be a real killer to your diet, though. Here are some tips on how to snack the right way, according to various food experts.
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Mindless eating is a problem most people have when snacking. According to Cornell University food psychologist Brian Wansink, PhD, the larger the plate or bowl you eat from, the more you unknowingly eat. Try eating from smaller dishes and avoid eating food straight out of the bag.
Midnight snacks are never a good idea. A recent study conducted by Northwestern University shows that when you eat closer to your bedtime rather than earlier in the day, you’re guaranteed to gain weight. Make sure you stay away from the snack pantry after dinner!
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Choosing snacks with high amounts of sugar, salt, and preservatives is an obviously terrible choice for your diet. Instead, go for healthy snacks that are still tasty, like hummus and pita bread, low-fat yogurt, or almonds.
Stress eating may be comforting, but it’s definitely not healthy for your diet. Letting your emotions control your diet will cause you to eat much more than you regularly should, according to multiple studies. Jessica Crandall, RD, recommends venting your emotions out in other productive ways that won’t impact your waistline. “If you’re stressed out at work, when you get home, take a walk instead of eating or call a friend who will be empathetic," she said.
