Nowadays, there are countless nutrition programs, and each has its own supporters and opponents. Every one of us is used to certain eating patterns. It is normal for some people to have three meals a day, while others prefer splitting them.

Benefits of snacking

As for snacking, there are two contradicting opinions. Some professionals believe that snacking is healthy, others think otherwise, and this stumps people interested in proper nutrition.

Snacking is a great habit that provides the following benefits:

1. It gives you an opportunity not to overeat during the main meals. Since in this way a person starts eating a meal without feeling particularly hungry, they do not gobble up.
2. Snacks allow you to consume more nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber) per day. The more frequently you eat, the greater is the variety of elements in your diet.
3. Split meals allow you to stay energetic and focused during the day. Small intervals don’t let your blood sugar fall. And the more stable it is, the more physically and mentally comfortable the person feels.
4. Snacks prevent overeating before bedtime, as a filling evening snack before dinner makes the dinner itself not so heavy.

For many people, the main meal is in the evening. People dream about it all day, but after a balanced snack, it is much easier to give up harmful and high-calorie foods for a slight healthier dinner. In addition, it is unlikely that you will still be left hungry after it.

Principles of split meals

You should eat every 3-4 hours, not more frequently when you experience a slight sense of hunger. This will allow you to approach the choice of food wisely.

Ideas for a balanced snack:

• 50-70 g of Circassian cheese wrapped in lettuce leaves;
• cottage cheese (up to 5% fat) with greens, vegetables or with a small amount of fresh berries;
• a handful of nuts (30-40 g) – almonds, hazelnuts, unsalted pistachios, cedar nuts;
• natural low-fat yogurt, preferably homemade, with a little amount of fruit or berries;
• hummus with sliced fresh vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, celery stalks).

Proper balanced nutrition is the basis of the normal functioning of all organs and systems. Therefore, it’s not only what is in your plate that matters, but also when. There is nothing hard about getting used to having snacks, and your organism will be thankful for this.

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.