Should I Snack? 5 Benefits to Snacking + Easy Snack Ideas

Is snacking actually good for me?

Why should I snack?

How often should I snack?

What should I snack on? 

I often field questions from clients about the whys and hows of snacking during the day, so I wanted to share some thoughts here. If you too are snack-curious, read on!

First of all: yes, snacking is beneficial. Adding snacks to your day can be helpful in stabilizing blood sugars, which in turn can keep you more energized throughout the day — and satisfied until your next meal. (Thinking about food a lot? You’re probably hungry; take a break and grab a snack!)

If you feel yourself getting particularly anxious throughout the day and start to realize it’s been four or five hours (or more) since you last ate, your body may be reacting to low blood sugar. Try adding in a snack before the 3-4 hour mark from your last meal if you are a few hours out from your next meal.

You also may find yourself more hungry during the days leading up to your period. That’s totally normal, and snacking can help with PMS symptoms and cravings. A good start would be a carb + protein + fat and fiber. All of these macronutrients together work to prevent a big blood glucose spike and valley — aka keeping your glucose/insulin more stable.

Snacks can be helpful in making sure you hit all your nutritional points in a day: protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of my go-to options to help combat hunger and boost energy: 

Sweet

Protein bars, i.e. KIND nut bars, Larabars, or Think! bars (or nut-free options)

Fruit — and feel free to kick it up a notch. Try apples with peanut butter, or strawberries with ricotta (or mascarpone) and honey.

Smoothies! Here’s my favorite recipe, which packs a protein punch while also satisfying a sweet tooth:

  • Banana

  • Water or milk/milk alternative

  • Peanut butter, WOWBUTTER, or sunbutter

  • Protein powder

  • Ground flax/chia seeds/hemp seeds

  • Cocoa powder

  • Cinnamon

Salty

Crackers and hummus

Salty trail mix with dried fruit

Savory

Jerky

Cheese and crackers

Turkey and cheese roll-ups

Crunchy

Nuts or roasted chickpeas and chocolate chips

Hummus with carrots or peppers

Creamy

Yogurt with fat (1-4%)

  • Looking for a lower added-sugar option? Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt or Siggi’s are two good options. Typically flavors like lemon, honey, or vanilla have less added sugars

Latte or cappuccino with collagen powder

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So pack a snack and don’t look back, my friends — I’m here to turn the snack-curious into the snack-converted. 

Questions, or need more specific ideas for dietary restrictions or health issues? Send me a message; I’d love to chat with you.

Happy Snacking,

Danielle

Daniellesnacks, Simple Meals, meal ideas