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Snack Attack

Snack Attack

You try. Really, you do. But when you are faced with a chocolate chip cookie and a big juicy orange, sometimes that cookie is just too tempting to turn away. That’s OK because it turns out you're not alone. More than 68% of people eventually choose a not-so-good-for-them treat.
 
You don't need a researcher to tell you that when people are given the choice, it’s in their nature to choose impulsively and sometimes unconsciously. The key to combat this behavior is to plan out those healthy snacks. You'll be more likely to stick with a healthful choice if you've thought about it ahead of time.
 
Try spending some time on Sundays to prepare pre-cut veggies and fruit, storing them in containers or plastic bags for fresh keeping. You may also want to make baggies of almonds and crunchy whole grain cereal. All of these treats can be stashed in a desk drawer or purse, and they will help you to make a healthy split-second decision when hunger strikes.
 
We want to know: What healthy treat do you keep on hand for emergency snack attacks? [MSNBC]

Posted: 9/19/08
aliciak

Sometimes the healthy snack idea backfires...I'll be eyeing that cookie, but I'll try to be good and have yogurt or a banana, etc. But then, I'll remember the cookie and eat that too. Sooooo, if I had just had the cookie first, would I have actually consumed fewer calories in the end?

  • By aliciak
  • on 10/2/08 12:18 AM EST
LauraLee311

Yeah, this is one of those "great in theory" things that I always say I'm going to do (cut up veggies and fruits on Sundays and put them in baggies/containers), but then I never do. Fortunately, we have some healthy snack options at work, Nature Valley granola bars, trail mix, and single-serving oatmeal. Of course there's also single-serving Pringles and those 100-calorie cookie bites ... Most of the time I choose trail mix.

carolineshannon

I always,always have a Larabar [Link] on hand. I am obsessed with these bars -- especially, the Peanut Butter Cookie -- and they are simple to toss in my purse or in my desk for a quick snack. I also love a handful of almonds (they have pre-made snack packs at Trader Joe's) or some Kashi GO LEAN Crunch! [Link] for quick snacks. They conquer my sweet/crunchy cravings minus the sugar and excess calories.

VictoriaB

This is such a good idea. I try to make little snack bags in advance. Carrots, whole wheat pretzels, raisins and almonds are just some of the things I like to snack on (if there are no cookies to be had!).