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Unfortunately, as more children join their parents on the overweight and obesity list, weight management is becoming a family affair. Hectic lifestyles are partially to blame for the obesity epidemic in America. Busy schedules leave little or no time to prepare healthy meals, which is one reason why American families are eating more processed, high fat, no nutrition convenience foods. And snacking is one of the main contributors to this problem.
However, snacking can be healthy and require very little effort. You just need to know what your choices are. Here are some healthy snacking alternatives the whole family can enjoy.
DO's
1. No weight-conscious family can ever go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables at snack time. Not only do they taste good, they're full of vitamins and minerals. In addition, the sweet taste of many fruits can curb cravings for sugary snacks like candy.
2. Choose whole-grain cereals, bagels and crackers. They offer many of the same benefits as fruits and vegetables.
3. Low-fat dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk also make good snacks because they taste great and give your body calcium.
4. It can be challenging to break an unhealthy snacking habit, so always be ready with alternatives for when the urge to snack strikes. Try eating raw vegetables dipped in low-fat dressing, a bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk or a whole-wheat bagel topped with peanut butter and a sliced banana.
5. If you're in the mood for a snack that's salty and crunchy, choose low-fat popcorn or pretzels instead of chips.
DON'Ts
1. Always try to avoid snacks that are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt like potato chips, soda, candy and cookies. Not only are they fattening and full of sodium, they offer little in the way of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
2. Even convenient snacks that look healthy or say "natural" or "organic" can have hidden calories, sugar or fat. Make sure you read food labels carefully so you know what you're getting into.
3. DO NOT leave potentially hazardous snacks stashed in your cupboards. If possible dispose of all unhealthy snacks and restock your pantry with heath snacks. That way when temptation strikes, it will be harder to give in.
Here's an example of a healthy refreshing recipe the whole family can enjoy:
·Tropical Fruits Fantasia
Delicious and colorful, it would make a great side dish, too.
Ingredients:
8 ounces fat-free, sugar-free orange yogurt
5 medium strawberries, cut into halves
3 ounces honeydew melon, cut into slices (or 1/2 cup cut into cubes)
However, snacking can be healthy and require very little effort. You just need to know what your choices are. Here are some healthy snacking alternatives the whole family can enjoy.
DO's
1. No weight-conscious family can ever go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables at snack time. Not only do they taste good, they're full of vitamins and minerals. In addition, the sweet taste of many fruits can curb cravings for sugary snacks like candy.
2. Choose whole-grain cereals, bagels and crackers. They offer many of the same benefits as fruits and vegetables.
3. Low-fat dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk also make good snacks because they taste great and give your body calcium.
4. It can be challenging to break an unhealthy snacking habit, so always be ready with alternatives for when the urge to snack strikes. Try eating raw vegetables dipped in low-fat dressing, a bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk or a whole-wheat bagel topped with peanut butter and a sliced banana.
5. If you're in the mood for a snack that's salty and crunchy, choose low-fat popcorn or pretzels instead of chips.
DON'Ts
1. Always try to avoid snacks that are high in calories, fat, sugar and salt like potato chips, soda, candy and cookies. Not only are they fattening and full of sodium, they offer little in the way of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
2. Even convenient snacks that look healthy or say "natural" or "organic" can have hidden calories, sugar or fat. Make sure you read food labels carefully so you know what you're getting into.
3. DO NOT leave potentially hazardous snacks stashed in your cupboards. If possible dispose of all unhealthy snacks and restock your pantry with heath snacks. That way when temptation strikes, it will be harder to give in.
Here's an example of a healthy refreshing recipe the whole family can enjoy:
·Tropical Fruits Fantasia
Delicious and colorful, it would make a great side dish, too.
Ingredients:
8 ounces fat-free, sugar-free orange yogurt
5 medium strawberries, cut into halves
3 ounces honeydew melon, cut into slices (or 1/2 cup cut into cubes)
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