"Snack Attack," an animation by Eduardo Verastegui that's been viewed more than 53 million times, clearly exposes the passion that folks often feel when it comes to their favorite snack. One 2019 survey found that the average American spends about $29,000 over a lifetime on snacks and almost a fourth of those folks admit they do it to treat or reward themselves -- not because they're hungry. For whatever reason they gobbled up quick treats, almost 40% of respondents preferred sweets, while 34% opted for salty snacks.
A review of the ZOE PREDICT project, a group of large in-depth nutritional research studies, reveals that 70% of you say you snack twice a day -- and that adds up to a lot of extra, empty calories, accounting for up to 25% of your daily total.
Now, snacking isn't intrinsically bad for you. Dodging the harm that salty, sugar-added, highly processed snack foods do to you is easy if you choose your snacks for their fresh, pure flavors and healthy nutrients.
Multiple healthful snack-y meals during the day can stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the impulse to overeat. However, late evening snacking is associated with less-than-beneficial glucose and lipid levels.
My recommendations for snacks are to enjoy them between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and choose ones that help prevent premature aging. They include: fresh fruit, especially berries, watermelon and citrus; nuts, especially walnuts; healthful smoothies like the Vitality Smoothies and The Grape Escape, in my "What to Eat When Cookbook"; and munchable veggies like carrots and celery.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
