Monday 28 September 2015

Do you graze all day?


Do you graze all day?














The term applies to munching throughout the day. Here are ways out of it...

It's all right to eat something when hunger pangs arise, but continually putting food into the mouth or grazing, can cause a fair share of harm. Not only does it cause an eating addiction of sorts, but it can also play havoc with the digestive system, as it does not get any break.

A question of choice
Continuous snacking at workplace can be both healthy and harmful, depending on the choice of foods consumed, says nutritionist Priya Karerka. "It's healthy as it can prevent acidity, which is caused due to long gaps between two meals, but it is harmful if the choice of snacks are unhealthy or contain too much fat. Two-hourly snacking is the health mantra prescribed by most nutritionists. But the emphasis must lay on what are the type of snacks consumed."

Healthy options
Sip on green tea, lime juice, buttermilk or munch on puffed rice and roasted chana. "Eat two or three biscuits, a handful of mixed nuts and dryfruits which contain omega-3 fats, khakras, or steamed snacks like idlis. You can also have sprouts, chaat or fresh green salads. These snacks are packed with fiber and other micronutrients which are essential for the body," she says.

No-nos
Fried foods are a no-no. "Vada pav, wafers, medu wada, pizzas, burgers etc can lead to lethargy and decreased output at work. These snacks contain high amounts of saturated fats which add to obesity, diabetes etc in the long run," ends Karkera.

Get these today

Walnuts and almonds

Health benefits: Walnuts are high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. About 12 almonds have 180 calories and good omega-9 fatty acids. These and other nuts also are a high source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Snack tip: Have a handful of nuts with low-fat cheese, or some oatmeal, which will make you feel full longer.

Fruits

Health benefits: 
Fruits such as apples are loaded with pectin, which helps suppress your appetite. The average serving of fruit is around 70 calories. You can also alter the ones you eat each day for variety.
Snack tip: Have it with a glass of fat-free milk.

Yogurt

Health benefits: Yogurt is a rich source of calcium and protein. It also contains healthy bacteria, known as probiotics, that keep the digestive tract healthy.
Snack tip: Add strawberries to your bowl for a great mid-day snack.

Granola bars or oatmeal packets

Health benefits: Granola bars have iron content and can lower blood pressure while oatmeal helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Snack tip: Have them with low-fat cheese or some fruit.

Flaxseeds

Health benefits: Flax seeds are a storehouse of Omega-3.
Snack tip: Have them with low-fat cheese or some fruit.For variety add some almond slivers and raisins to it.



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