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Getting Satisfaction
Healthy Snacks For The New Year
By Alison Gamble
Snacking is a very important part of a person's day. Your body needs a boost between meals, and selecting the right foods to fuel your body makes a huge difference. When you are choosing a snack you should put some time and thought into it -- just as you would when planning any meal. You should snack on foods that re-energize and satisfy you until your next big meal.
"How do I get energy and satisfaction out of a snack?"
Go for foods with substance! Accessible, easy to prepare foods that are healthy are available as alternatives to soft drinks, candy and chips. Choose a grain and fruit, or grain and protein source, or all three together. Together the combination will help keep you satisfied longer. Protein takes longer to digest than a simple carbohydrate (like a very sugary food, such as candy), and as a result keeps your energy level maintained. The fiber in the complex carbohydrate group also keeps you feeling full. Like protein, a complex carbohydrate takes longer for your body to digest, which helps maintain energy levels longer. Fruit is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrate, and when combined with a protein, can be a wonderful source of nourishment. Here are some good snack ideas...snacks with substance!
- Cereal! This is a great snack, not just for breakfast. Add some fresh fruit and skim milk to get more fiber, protein, vitamins and mine


