Snack Free??

There is train of thought that is currently being discussed as to the effect that eating snacks is having on the increasing obesity crisis. Most people when questioned about snacking, rarely say they have them because they are hungry, it’s usually a habit that they have acquired, and it’s now part of their routine. An expert recently said, if we ate like our grandparents we wouldn’t have a weight problem, and it’s definitely made me think! As a child I spent lot’s of time with mine, and I can’t recall snacks being readily available, maybe a plain biscuit with a glass of milk before bed! Could it be that as a sign of our more affluent society that we are expected to have ‘ snacks’ available at all times, and to not have them might reflect on our financial position, rather than our choice to not have them due to health/personal choice?

As a child I can honestly say that we were not an affluent family, and snacks were not readily available, but i don’t think this was due to purely money, it was also not readily available. If you look closely at your shopping bill, how many items are ‘snack food’ rather than ingredients to make a meal. You might find it quite an eye-opener, especially as these are the foods that have increased considerably in price!

It may seem impossible to eliminate snacks from your home, but rather than attempt to get rid of them all, why not try limiting them, finding lower calorie alternatives, or making your main meal go further by possibly having a soup starter and a dessert to finish the meal. Mindful eating rather than mindless? Maybe eat a little later so that you are fuller for longer?

If we can minimise our snacking habits, it may be possible to lose weight and create a better healthier eating routine that will all add up to better well-being without feeling deprived. I’ve tried this technique and it worked for me, I reminded myself when I’d usually have snack, not tonight, I may tomorrow, but not today and then looked for a diversion, for me it was a luxurious bath, when I got out it I looked at the clock and thought, it’s a bit late now and was able to leave it. To be honest, it got easier each time!!

A popular way to divert a sweet snack attack is to have something that’s totally opposite, for example a pickled onion, or why not a tasty mug of Oxo or Bovril, it’s worth remembering that we ARE able to train our tastebuds!! Another well used tactic is a hot low fat chocolate drink for example options may hit the spot. It’s useful to have a selection of different tactics to hand, you never know which may work for you! Pancake Day could be seen as a challenge, but again, it’s all about staying positive. Of course you can have pancakes, just plan them as part of your meal!!To Toss…. Or Not To Toss??

Torn between looking like a snack or eating one.

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