Do you feel like you don't have enough energy to get through the day? Maybe you're trying to get by with coffee or holding out for the next meal. Have you considered how snacking throughout the day could do the body wonders?
Sustain Energy Levels
Have you ever felt like your energy levels were crashing throughout the day? Maybe you're in a morning class/meeting and notice yourself drifting off . . . oops! Snacking in between meals can provide our bodies with the fuel needed to keep us going throughout the day. A snack with carbohydrates, protein, and fat can sustain energy levels in between meals.
This doesn't have to be anything too complex, maybe an apple with peanut butter or cheese, crackers, and some grapes! When we fuel ourselves throughout the day, we may notice our energy levels are more balanced and we're less likely to eat past the point of discomfort at meals.
Stabilize Blood Glucose
Without consistent intake, we'll more than likely notice a drop in energy levels and blood glucose. When the body goes several hours without food, it usually results in low blood sugar. Signs and symptoms may include irritability, shakiness, tiredness, and dizziness. Eating every 3 to 4 hours through meals and snacks helps the body maintain proper glucose levels!
Increase Nutrient Variety
One of the best ways to increase your variety of nutrients is to snack throughout the day! It can be very challenging to consume enough vitamins and minerals when we're only running on 3 meals.
Snacking allows us an opportunity to broaden our intake and enjoy an array of delicious food! Maybe you're craving avocado toast for a morning snack and strawberries with Nutella and coconut later on. These tasty items can brighten our day and fuel our bodies!
Honoring our hunger and fullness hormones is a key component in intuitive eating. When we eat a variety of balanced meals and snacks throughout the day, we'll start to notice the difference in our energy levels! If you're interested in learning more about your nutrient needs by working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, please don't hesitate to reach out.
With Pearls of Wellness,
Eden Davis RDN LDN
