Do you like your … snacks?

If you like grabbing an afternoon snack you probably wonder if snacks are healthful?

Snacks can make a healthful eating plan even better. Snacks can shorten the time your body goes without fuel and keep you from overeating at meals. Plan for snacks every three to four hours, about the length of time a meal keeps you fueled.

In addition to when you do it, what you snack on also makes a difference. Experts recommend that you choose snacks that provide a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates, one gives quick energy, the other slower fuel. Try a piece of fruit and a graham cracker, a bagel topped with low-fat cheese, lowfat yogurt mixed with whole grain cereal, or dip pretzels into a low-fat yogurt dip.

When you work snacks into a healthful eating plan, you’ll find controlling portions at meals gets much easier. So snack for health.