It is a well known fact that snacking causes weight gain, but everyone still loves to munch in between meals. In order to understand how this effects your body we need to understand why we feel the urge to snack. In most cases snacking is caused by a lack of the right foods are boredom. If your snacking falls into one of these two categories, dont worry there is something that can be done.

First lets take a look at not getting the right kinds of food. Most North Americans get up in the morning and start their days with a cup of coffee mixed with cream and sugar. If they are lucky they might throw a bowl of cereal or breakfast bar into the mix. I hate to break it to you folks, but this is completely unacceptable. Breakfast is the single most important meal of the day and if you are eating like this then you need to make a change. Most cereals are composed of no fibre and large amounts of refined sugars and do we really need to talk about coffee not being food? Now nobody is saying that you need to give up your coffee (god forbid dont want to get shot) but you do need get a well balanced meal into the equation. Try substituting the frosted falkes for 3 egg whites, whole wheat toast and a piece of fruit.  If you are one of those people that say that you are not hungry in the morning you really need to re-train your body as to when it is appropriate to eat and when it is not. I will guarantee that eating a balanced breakfast will keep you fuller longer.

The second is a little harder to resolve….boredom. How many of you sit around the house and watch TV? Do you find that you are consuming calories while laying idle on the couch? Are you favourite kinds of snacks chips and dips or sugary treats? If you answered yes to any of these questions you have a problem. In North America we have been spoiled with a abundance of ready made fast food that is high in saturated and trans fats and sugars (your bodies two worst enemies). You need to start by breaking the cycle. Instead of coming home and planting your butt on the couch after work, get outside and take a walk, play some golf or just do any other activity that keeps you moving. I personally love to get into the weight room and lift. This was not always the case and did take some time to get use to. However it has been proven that any activity that is done for a consecutive 28 days will become a habit. Think about….28 days to form a good habit that will help you reap the rewards of a healthier life style.

If you still find the need to snack or find yourself extremely hungry between meals you really need to start make better food choices. Instead of picking that piece of cake in the fridge or choclate bar, reach over and grab a banana or orange. Celery sticks are also a great choice since they contain large amounts of fibre and will help to keep your tummy feeling fuller longer. I realize that this is hard change for some but you need to ask yourselves whats important to me? If you are serious about your health then do the right thing.