Feb 13, 2024
February is National Snack Food Month, so this month, it is important to focus on snacking in the healthiest ways possible and still thoroughly enjoy treats between meals. With a little help from the Registered Dietitians at United Hospital Center, you can enjoy healthy, yet tasty snacks with these suggestions.
I am Kaitlyn Tennant, clinical nutritionist at UHC, and I here to help you with choosing the right snack.
1). A refreshing beverage is often included while enjoying a snack. What are some lower-sugar beverage options to consider?
At every age, what you drink can be as important as what you eat. When deciding what to drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start Simple with these tips:
- Make your own infused water with fresh fruits and herbs
- Select unsweetened, flavored iced tea or
- Diet beverages
2). Charcuterie boards are popular, what healthy options can be included on a charcuterie board?
Try to include the following options on your next charcuterie board to make it healthy. Add:
- Lightly salted or unsalted nuts & seeds
- Roasted chickpeas
- Low-fat cheeses
- Freshly sliced deli meats in place of prepackaged
3). What should I look for when choosing a snack?
If your snack is processed or contains high levels of fat, sodium, or sugar, look for another option. There are three key items to look for when choosing a healthy snack.
- You want to look for snacks that are low in sugar. This will help you to prevent weight gain and heart disease. The recommendation for added sugar is to eat less than 6 tsp. or 100 calories for women and 9 tsp or 150 calories for men.
- Shop for snacks that are low in saturated fats, to help prevent heart disease.
- Look for snacks that are high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals—as these help to provide your body with the energy it needs.
This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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