The Art of Snacking

The Art of Snacking - EasiYo NZ

To snack or not to snack? Anyone trying to find the answer to this question will likely run into a mixed bag of reviews and opinions. For some, eating small amounts more often is a great way to boost energy and combat cravings. For others, snacking means consuming unnecessary quantities of food, and ultimately more calories.

As far as evolution goes, snacking is a fairly new phenomenon. For most of human history, constant grazing wasn’t an option. It’s only more recently that we’ve moved away from a few regular meals to a more snack-fuelled lifestyle.

Ultimately, you’ll know what works best for you and your family. But if you are snacking, how can you ensure you’re doing it in the best way possible?

It’s what you snack on that matters.

No surprises there! You know what we’re getting at – the afternoon coffee and croissant to keep you going until dinner? Delicious, but unfortunately not nutritious. Ideally, a snack should be a mixture of whole foods and include the tried-and-true trifecta of fibre, protein and healthy fats. Generally, it’s best to avoid pre-packaged snacks, which means you’ll need to prepare your snacks ahead of time where you can. EasiYo’s Protein Yogurt provides 17 grams of protein per serve, and 33% of your daily adult protein needs* – making it a satisfying snack for kids and adults alike.

 

So when is it snack time?

Of course, this will depend on your lifestyle and what you’re eating. Try to identify where the longer gaps in your day are (for example, between lunch and dinner) and plan your snacks accordingly. For active people, snacking post exercise is a great way to maintain energy levels, as well as to wake you up from the dreaded 3pm slump (you can read more of our thoughts on this here).

 

Better snacking, everybody.

Here are our ideas for some pick me up snacks that tick all the boxes – easy to make, delicious to eat and genuinely good for you.

Mid-morning

  • Apple slices with nut butter
  • Frozen berries with yogurt
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Pre-made mini frittata

Afternoon

  • Popcorn, lightly salted
  • Brown rice crackers with cheese
  • Carrot slices with hummus
  • Avocado on corn thins
  • Pita chips with yogurt raita

Post dinner treats

  • Chai tea with honey (for when you need a taste of something sweet)
  • Frozen yogurt
  • Dark chocolate and almonds
  • Homemade bliss balls
  • Chia seed pudding with yogurt

However you’re snacking, remember food is to be enjoyed and not fretted over! And while you’re at it, don’t forget that hydration is key (sometimes a glass of water is all you need for that crucial energy boost).

 

 

*Based on an average adult diet of 8700kJ and 50g protein