Healthy snacking is an important part of anyone’s diet. But for athletes and active individuals, snacking ensures adequate fuel for exercise, improves muscle recovery, boosts mental performance, and helps maintain healthy body composition.
Snacks between our main meals are necessary to get the calories and nutrients our bodies need. The number and type of snacks should be determined by your hunger signals, as well as your work, academic, athletic, or sleep schedules.
By paying attention to the hunger cues from your body, you can help give your body the fuel it needs throughout the day to keep it performing at its best.
The key is to make smart snack choices to keep you on track with your nutrition and performance goals. Planning ahead is also key to helping you be successful with your snacking!
1. Balance Macronutrients in Snacks.
Protein promotes fullness, helping ward off hunger until your next meal, which is why looking for snacks with protein is a good strategy. Aim for snacks with at least 5-10 grams of protein.
That doesn’t mean carbohydrates aren’t important, as they provide your body and brain with energy. However, you want good quality carbs like what you will find in whole-wheat bread, crackers, or high-fiber cereal. Healthy fats, like nut butter or avocados, also have a place in snacking as they provide lasting energy.
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2. Be Careful with High-Sugar Snacks.
Treats might satisfy a craving, but they don’t do much for controlling hunger. Consuming high-sugar snacks can often lead to overeating, eventually leading to weight gain.
Choose a convenient snack such as a protein bar, fruit, or Greek yogurt when you’re on the go. These will keep you fueled and satiated.
3. Snack Mindfully.
One of the biggest problems with snacking is that many people snack while doing something else, which can lead to overeating. Snacking while watching TV, scrolling on your phone, or while working can end up with you eating a lot more than expected. Try to make eating a purposeful activity that is done without distractions.
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4. Plan Ahead.
Prepare healthy snacks at home to take with you to work, school, or training. Skip the vending machine and avoid buying snacks where healthy options are limited.
You’ll not only save money, but you’ll also get a bigger bang for your nutritional buck by preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. Pack portable snacks in your backpack or sports bag.
For pre-workout snacks, I recommend incorporating a healthy mix of macronutrients, especially good quality carbs, if you engage in endurance training or sports.
These are some good snacks for about an hour before a workout:
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Banana and peanut butter
- Cottage cheese
Once you get within 30 minutes of a workout, you want to stick mainly to liquids, making a pre-workout drink or sports drinks good options.
After your workout, it’s important to hydrate and consume protein for optimal recovery. Within 30 minutes of a workout, a protein shake is a great option. Not only does it give your body the nutrients it needs, but it is convenient. However, a post-workout shake doesn’t replace a meal, so here are some good post-workout snacks:
- Tuna and whole-wheat crackers
- Turkey sandwich
- Hummus and pita
Planning ahead and knowing your schedule will keep you from missing your healthy snacks.
Dana RyanPh.D., MA, MBA – Director, Sports Performance, Nutrition and Education
Dr. Dana Ryan is the director of Sports Performance, Nutrition and Education at Herbalife. She is also the Chair of the Fitness Advisory Board. She completed her doctorate in Physical Activity, Nutrition and Wellness at Arizona State University. She earned an MBA from USC and a Master’s in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. Dr. Ryan is also certified in nutrition for optimal health, wellness and performance. Before joining Herbalife Nutrition, she taught exercise physiology and related courses at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), and conducted research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA),* on the impact of community-based nutrition and physical activity programs on heart disease risk. A passionate athlete, Dr. Ryan enjoys all water sports, especially rowing. Her favorite Herbalife products are Herbalife24® Liftoff®, Herbalife24® Rebuild Strength and Enrichual Hemp Facial Serum.
*The University of California does not endorse specific products or services as a matter of policy.