In Your Face

We all know that it helps to avoid unhealthy snacks by keeping them out of the house. I read that your house should be a safe zone (especially for kids) because we are all faced with so many temptations everywhere we go. So true! That being said; most of us need a snack a some point. Keep yummy, healthy, natural snacks out on the counter and in places where you can see them!

This is what works for us. Fruit is on the counter in a convenient place and ready-to-eat grapes or sliced carrots in the refrigerator. Nuts are in glass jars easily accessible, and they are always in sight (ours are behind clear glass cabinet doors).

You can keep your snacks in your face throughout the day as well, by never leaving the house without some healthy snacks in your purse, backpack or pocket! That way you resist the temptation to eat something you don't need. I never leave the house without fruit or pretzels or nuts or a granola bar. Dried fruit (without added ingredients) is a good choice so you don't find a solid black mushy banana in your backpack like I have been known to do!

Action item: Get unhealthy, empty-calorie snacks out of your house and off your shopping list. Your body will thank you!

For further reading: Need ideas for healthier snacks. This is not a perfect snacking list, but offers good ideas if you're stuck in a rut. Some of the items - such as granola bars - can be very unhealthy. As always, read labels, choose foods with ingredients that will fuel your body, and make the best decision out of the choices at hand.