Healthy Snacking Ideas

For many years, common knowledge has dictated that three square meals a day are the best way to fuel our bodies and keep us feeling energized all day long. And while this meal plan may work for some, it's not ideal for everyone. Luckily, there's been a s

Female: For many years, common knowledge has dictated that three square meals a day are the best way to fill our bodies and keep us feeling energized all day long. And while this meal plan may work for some, it’s not ideal for everyone. Luckily, there has been a shift to smart snacking between meals. Sue Mah is a registered dietician and nutrition consultant. Sue Mah: Planning for three regular meals plus two snacks in between helps to balance caloric intake over the day and also helps to keep your energy levels high throughout the day. Snacking is also beneficial if you’re watching your weight because it helps prevent those hunger pangs which can often lead to overeating. Female: Despite good intentions, many Canadians find that between busy work and family schedules, it can be a challenge to properly plan for meals. Sue Mah: If you know you won’t have time to sit down for a meal, pack a snack that will stay fresh and taste great. For example, a handful of peanuts mixed with some dried food and cereal can keep you going until you do have time to take a break for a bigger, nutritious meal. When you plan for snacks, you have to get opportunity to better control the impulse of eating which can lead you strain in your healthy eating plan. A healthy snack should be nutritious and it should keep you feeling full from one meal until the next. For example, a handful of peanuts contain protein, which can keep hunger at bay. Plus, peanuts also contain essential nutrients such as B-vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, and folate. Female: As Canadians, we’re lucky to enjoy some of the best peanuts in the world. While not grown commercially in Canada, 70% of the peanuts we eat are grown in the US. Through adherence to stringent government regulations ensuring food safety and quality, decades of through research and continuously integrating innovative technologies, the US peanut industry delivers the highest quality peanuts at the peak of their flavor with every shipment. Sue Mah: When planning snacks, choose healthy foods and also keep it interesting too. Peanuts are nutritious snacks. So you can enjoy them on their own or your can spice them up a bit. Try this hot and spicy recipe that uses a blend of flavors. It’s so easy to make and it tastes great. In a resalable plastic bag, combine 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Zip it up and give it a good shake. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over 3 cups of dry roasted unsalted peanuts. Give it a nice gentle toss. Add the peanuts to the bag and shake it gently so that the spice mix gets all spread around. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh or enjoy them right away. For more information on US Peanuts or Smart Snacking Recipes, visit peanutbureau.ca. Sherry Damatarca reporting.