Think snacks are just for kids? Think again, ladies: a mid-morning bite or an afternoon snack around 4 p.m. is a habit that can slot easily into the way you plan your meals! That said, a good snack takes a little thought, and there are a few golden rules to follow. How it differs from grazing, why a snack can be worth having, snack ideas… We explain it all!
Snacking vs. grazing… What’s the difference?
To fully appreciate the benefits of a snack, it helps to be clear on what we mean. A snack is a “mini-meal” — controlled in portion size and calorie content, made up of wholesome, nourishing foods. And crucially, a snack should only be eaten if you’re actually hungry!
Grazing, on the other hand, means eating whatever’s within reach, with no real hunger, no real craving, and no signal from your body that it needs anything! It tends to happen when you’re bored, tired or stressed, or simply feeling indulgent. When we graze, we usually reach for foods that are too fatty, too sugary or too salty. These foods offer little in the way of nutrition and are best kept for special occasions…
In short: a snack is something you plan, while grazing is something you simply give in to!
Why plan a snack?
Now that we know a snack is nothing like grazing, let’s look at why it can earn its place in your day:
- A snack helps spread your daily calorie intake more evenly throughout the day, so your eating is better organised.
- Having a planned, prepared snack can help you avoid grazing and give your meals a clearer structure.
- A snack means you don’t arrive at dinner ravenous. And a light evening meal is often recommended!
- Snacking helps avoid frustration: if you’re genuinely hungry, your body is telling you it needs energy! Rather than holding back and then caving to an entire chocolate bar a few hours later, it’s far better to listen to your body and enjoy a wholesome snack.
A few ideas for healthy snacks…
To do its job, your snack needs to be satisfying without being excessive. It should deliver as many worthwhile nutrients as possible: fibre, protein, carbohydrates… According to nutritionists, a snack should ideally stay under 200 calories.
Here are a few healthy snack ideas:
- 1 pot of plain quark + 1 piece of fresh fruit + 1 square of dark chocolate
- 6 almonds + 1 fruit compote with no added sugar + 1 slice of wholemeal bread
- 1 apple + 1 tsp peanut butter + 1 cup of tea
- 1 hard-boiled egg + 1 slice of wholemeal bread + 1 cup of vegetable broth
- Vegetable sticks + hummus
In any case, opt for homemade snacks and steer clear of processed foods, which are often loaded with fat, sugar or salt. Don’t be fooled by attractive packaging on products that claim to be healthy, like shop-bought smoothies, fat-free yoghurts or so-called ‘slimming’ cereal bars! Keep in mind: the simpler and less processed your snack, the better.
Adding a well-chosen snack to your daily routine can help you spread your meals more evenly through the day, so don’t hesitate to make it a habit if you feel the need!
To look after your skin, rely on a balanced diet, regular physical activity and palpate-roll massages with your CelluBlue Cups. If you like food supplements, our anti-cellulite range can also complement your routine. As with any supplement, it’s no substitute for a varied, balanced diet. See our anti-cellulite range.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a snack?
A snack is a ‘mini-meal’ with a controlled portion size and calorie content, made up of wholesome foods that are good for your body. You should only have one if you’re actually hungry, for example an afternoon snack around 4 p.m. or a mid-morning bite. You’ll find all the details in the section ‘Snacking vs. grazing… What’s the difference?’.
What’s the difference between a snack and grazing?
A snack is planned, prepared and eaten when you’re hungry. Grazing means eating whatever’s within reach without real hunger. It is often driven by boredom, tiredness, stress or simply fancying a treat, and usually involves foods that are too fatty, too sugary or too salty.
How many calories should a snack have?
According to nutritionists, a snack shouldn’t go over 200 calories. It should be filling without being excessive and provide worthwhile nutrients such as fibre, protein or carbohydrates. You’ll find practical ideas in the section ‘A few ideas for healthy snacks…’.
What snack should I choose instead of processed products?
Go for homemade options: plain quark with a piece of fresh fruit, an apple with a little peanut butter, or vegetable sticks with hummus. Be wary of shop-bought smoothies and ‘slimming’ cereal bars that are marketed as good for you.
Related articles
- Dietary fibre: food sources and tips to eat more every day
- Healthy snacks: 7 easy and tasty recipes
- 7 days to build healthy everyday habits
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Diet.
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