What is snackification?

Snackification is the new trend in eating snacks on-the-go or small meals throughout the day.

How did snackification become a trend?

Americans have always snacked throughout the day in between meals, however because of busy lifestyles and time constraints, change in traditional meals, consumers are eating more snacks and not three meals per day. According to a study of modern snacking, performed by the Hartman Group-“90% of consumers eat snacks throughout the day, 7% prefer to bypass meals all together, and 80% of all snacking is purposeful-fulfilling a physical, emotional, social or cultural desire; this trend snacks as smaller in size, eaten between meals, and lower preparation and cleanup compared meals”.But are we making healthy choices while we snack?Below are healthy ways to incorporate healthy snacks and smaller meals.

How can I adopt snackification?

• Schedule Times to Eat. Making time to eat can help you throughout the day to eat can help you focus to healthier lifestyle. Skipping eating can lead to gaining weight and/or slow down metabolism.
• Make a Lunch or Breakfast Date. This will keep focused to schedule times to eat.
• Meal Prep. Schedule a time once or twice a week to prepare and store meals. When on the run, grab your snacks or meals and place in an insulated bag.
• Limit snacks high in fats, sugars and salt.
• Incorporate plant-based food.
• Incorporate high protein snacks. Peanut butter, Almonds or Pistachios, Greek Yogurt, 1 hard-boiled egg. It is recommended to eat 5.5 ounces of protein per day.
• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Have apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, blueberries or your favorite fruit handy to keep, limit to 2 cups per day. To incorporate vegetables, slice bell peppers or celery sticks and prepare on-the-go. Limit 3 cups of vegetables per day.
• Buy local.
• Follow MyPlate Recommendations. MyPlate wins for Snacks, Make a switch to healthier food choices.For example if you eat carrots, celery, with a creamy dip-193 calories, 5 grams of saturated fats, 317 mg sodium.If you replace the creamy dip with hummus, you intake 137 calories, 1 gram saturated fats, and 232 mg sodium- 56 calories, 4 grams in saturated fats and 85 mg in sodium.To learn more about healthier snack changes go to Choose Myplate: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/make-small-changes-snacks.
• Follow Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
• Choose 100 Calorie Snacks from the food five groups - Such as:Grains-3 cups of air-popped corn (hold the butter!) or 4 crackers, Protein-16 peanuts or Fruit-33 grapes, 1 large apple, ½ cup fruit, Vegetables-20 baked potato chips or Dairy-1 ounce of sliced cheese, cup of Greek yogurt.
• Eating snacks while using the MyPlate recommendations and portion control can help you enjoy the food you like, while making healthier choices, on-the-go!

Chili Popcorn - A Whole Grain Recipe!

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 cups popped corn

1 tablespoon margarine (melted)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (dash)

Directions

1. Mix popcorn and margarine in a bowl.

2. Mix seasonings thoroughly and sprinkle over popcorn. Mix well.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy with family and friends.

Serving Size:¼ of recipe, 92 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat

Recipe Site: USDA-What’s Cooking?

Source: Harman Group. As Snackification in Food Culture Becomes More Routine, Traditional Meals Get Redefined.

Image source: Pexels