We all know that exercising is only one part of a successful fitness journey!
To maximize the efforts you put into going to the gym and attending classes, you need to pair it with proper nutrition that fuels your efforts and curbs unhealthy eating habits.
If you’re looking for a better snacking method that prevents binge eating and promotes strength, keep reading!
We’ll unpack healthy snacking, when you should snack, and some examples of healthy substitutes that can add to your snack routine today.
Should I Cut Out Snacking Altogether?
Let’s face it — most of us love snacks. And most of the time, those snacks aren’t healthy.
Take a second to think about your favorite snacks. We can probably guess they aren’t fruits, vegetables, or nuts packed with healthy Omega-3s. They most likely fall under the sweet, salty, and high-carb category that most of us classify as “junk food.”
When you start leaning toward better exercise and nutrition habits, your first instinct may be an attempt to quit snacking altogether.
However, snacking isn’t necessarily bad for you, and cutting out something you love to do is an easy way to hate your new diet plan right away.
You just need to eat the right snacks at the right time to give your body the fuel it needs rather than overload it with high-fat food with little nutritional value.
When Is the Best Time for Healthy Snacking?
Timing is one of the most important things to consider when deciding your snack intake.
Let’s say you want to practice an intermittent fasting diet, and your feeding window is between noon and 7 PM. Snacking within that window would be completely fine, but you’ll disrupt your diet if you snack any time after 7.
Even if you aren’t using intermittent fasting, it’s best to snack earlier in the day because early snacking gives your metabolism a chance to burn off those calories.
The Easiest Healthy Snack Options Are Substitutes
One common snacking mistake is that people immediately jump from unhealthy snacks like heavily processed foods to whole foods like a handful of nuts or dried fruits that don’t satisfy their wants.
If you can make that leap right away, go for it! It’s always best to consume as many whole foods as possible. But you don’t have to take that route.
Here are a few alternatives that may help you substitute healthier options into your snacking routine:
Reach for a Protein Bar Instead of a Candy Bar
If you have a sweet tooth, sometimes a candy bar is the only thing that can scratch that itch. However, some protein bars with lower sugar content may help you satisfy that craving.
Some may argue that these aren’t the “healthiest” options — we agree that whole foods are more nutritious — but they will help you reach your daily protein goal and are a better alternative to typical sweets.
Choose a Smoothie Over Plain Ice Cream
Smoothies blended with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or some protein powder work as a substitute for a bowl of ice cream and have better nutritional value.
Depending on your fruit, you can add more macronutrients like fiber and healthy carbs to your snacking routine, along with antioxidants and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Greek yogurt will boost your protein intake and supply live and active cultures to improve gut health.
If you don’t like fruit, you can also make fruit-free smoothies with rich nut butter, dark chocolate, or chia seeds for a sweet treat.
Opt for Hummus and Pretzels Instead of Chips
Hummus is a tasty Middle Eastern dip traditionally made from chickpeas. It is rich in protein and fiber and makes a great substitute for potato chips when paired with a low-fat option like pretzels.
You can also choose raw veggies like baby carrots or sliced cucumbers to add more whole foods to your snacking routine.
Choose Healthy Snack Options That Work for You
You know what you like to eat and what tastes best for you, so you should explore healthy snack options until you find the right combination to curb your snack cravings.
Just keep in mind that a healthy snack adds a balance of macronutrients (protein, fats, fiber, and carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to your diet. It also helps you reach your personal nutritional goals rather than sidetracking you from them.
We Can Help You Find Healthy Snacks at Fit Body Boot Camp
Our community of dedicated fitness coaches is here to provide nutritional guidance at Fit Body Boot Camp!
When you enroll in our program, you get more than the best group workout program available. You also gain access to complete nutritional counseling and advice for active rest days to help you get the most out of your fitness journey.
Visit a location near you to learn how we can help you achieve your fitness goals!
