March is National Nutrition Month, and few things impact a person’s overall health as much as diet. While many evaluate the choices they make at lunch or dinner time, snacks are often ignored. What a person grabs at work as an afternoon pick-me-up or during that midnight trip to the refrigerator can also have a huge impact. With that in mind, here are some snacks that you might consider good but are instead unhealthy.
- Chips: They provide little nutritional value and are often high in sodium.
- Crackers: Low in fiber and high in sodium, they aren’t effective in staving off hunger.
- Granola Bars: Yes, there are healthy granola bars out there, but be careful. Many of them are “carbohydrate bombs.” Find granola bars that are high in protein and fiber and low in sugar.
- Pretzels: Many believe pretzels are just healthier chips. That’s not true. Most are loaded with salt and contain little nutritional value.
- 100-Calorie Cookie Packs: They’re just 100 calories, right? How bad can they be? Those empty calories filled with sugar and flour are low in nutrients and will do little to provide the boost for which you’re searching.
If what you thought was OK is actually bad, what should you be eating? Here are a few healthy options
- Vegetables with hummus or a yogurt or bean based dip – Provide flavor and nutrients to already healthy foods
- Whole grain crackers – Rich in fiber and vitamins
- Fresh or frozen fruit – Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- Low-fat string cheese – A good source of calcium, vitamin C, protein and fiber
- Nonfat Greek yogurt – Rich in protein
- Pistachios – Low in carbohydrates
Need more tips for healthy snacking? Check out this guide provided by the USDA.
