Snacking is controversial — is it right, is it wrong, is it harmful or is it the best thing to happen to worker efficiency since coffee? While it’s not a good idea to get hyped at the idea of mini-meals, there are some great benefits to planned and mindful snackage.
#1. Rev up your metabolism.
For one, a well-planned light meal will get your body going without debilitating it. A piece of fruit will immediately fuel your body thanks to the magic of fructose — but watch your sugar intake. Hearty snacks like nuts and veg with dip will keep your refined carb levels low, and bump up the fiber all the same.
#2. Fuel that brain.
Your brain craves sugar. Sugar and oxygen are the main catalysts in producing energy for your cells, and your brain sucks both up like almost nothing else (muscles under exercise take spot #1). By keeping steady glucose levels — and not spiking them with too much sugar — you can avoid mood swings, loss in concentration, and other mental inefficiencies.
#3. Bridge your meals.
Snacking the right way is a good way for you to bridge the gap between meals, if you don’t have enough time to prepare large amounts of grub. By keeping yourself from the verge of hunger, you’re less likely to binge eat later, and are more likely to make better food choices in your main meals.
#4. Get your micronutrients.
A lot of us are guilty of eating large quantities of refined carbs and fat, while skimping on the actual nutrition. To make sure you meet your daily intake of vitamins and minerals, look towards snacks like seaweed layers or baby carrots. Things might taste bland at first, but your taste buds will quickly learn to appreciate it.
#5. Keep yourself awake.
A lot of people are guilty of falling asleep during a long day at the office. Besides coffee and a cold environment, keeping your mouth occupied is a great way to prevent drowsiness. Watch yourself, though! Relying on chewing for alertness can quickly lead to overeating. Better find a more satisfying sleeping schedule.
#6. Keep your energy going.
For good results in productivity, match your snacking with exercise. One doesn’t go too well without the other, so plan yo’ snacks! Weight lifting early in the morning before a large meal is a good way to maximize the metabolic boost you get throughout the day, and opting for cycling and stairs instead of taking the car and the elevator helps as well.
#7. It’s a fast way to get nutrition.
Snacks don’t take as long to prepare (and eat) as large meals do. By chopping up veg and whipping up a dip or two, you’re going to get a lot more micronutrients into your system in shorter time than if you were to cook a feast of roasted chicken and apple pie.
#8. If you do it right, you’ll be slimmer.
Losing weight while snacking only works if you plan it. Take a piece of paper and write down how often you plan to snack, then work out exactly what you plan to be eating. If you eat the right stuff (primarily veg), in the right amounts, then planning a lot of colorful little snacks might be a great way to stave off that craving for pizza while staying nourished.