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Oh, That Eggnog!
The Dish on Healthy Holiday Eating from a Nutritionist
By Kelly A. Hammer
Snacking itself is neither good nor bad. However, the effects of snacking depend on the choices you make and how often you do it. Sometimes the time between meals is too long. Your and your children's energy levels and ability to concentrate fall off. A snack helps everyone to continue functioning at his or her best. When the next meal or party comes along, continue to make wise food choices, rather than dive into the meal as if you hadn't eaten in three days!
The key is to choose a snack that provides more than just a quick burst of energy. A quick pick-me-up from sodas, candy bars or snack cakes causes your body to use this energy faster, leaving you feeling worse. The sugar in fruits is absorbed more slowly and provides an hour or two of energy. A snack with longer lasting and steady energy contains a little bit of protein. Try peanut butter on apple slices or whole-wheat toast, low-fat vanilla yogurt with a 1/4 cup of blueberries stirred in, or a cup of bean soup for a consistent level mood and energy.
Snacks also help you meet your nutrition goals. Many people find it hard to consume the recommended five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. By adding nutritious snacks throughout your day, you will increase the amount of beneficial nutrients you consume, evn while attending holiday parties and celebrations.