The Dark Side of ‘Healthy’ Munching: What You Need to Know.
While healthy munching can be beneficial for health, too much of it can be harmful to health. People often end up eating more in the name of healthy snacking, however this can be extremely unhealthy sometimes. When you start working out, you may cut down on sugar and processed food, which is good for your health. But when this becomes an obsession, it can be detrimental to your physical and psychological health in the long run. This addiction can lead to a disease called Orthorexia. It occurs when clean eating is taken to extremes that can have symptoms similar to an eating disorder.
People often consume too many protein bars when it comes to munching. However, protein bars vary in calorie count and different ingredients, some of which can adversely affect your health if overconsumed. No doubt, high-calorie protein bars are a hearty munch, but too many of these can cause weight gain in the long run. For example:
1. Sugar: Some protein bars can contain high levels of sugar which is detrimental to health in the long run. Therefore, one must carefully check the ingredients before buying.
2. Common irritants: Wheat, Soy, Eggs, Dairy (Whey protein powder, etc.), and Nuts are all allergens. Some ingredients that can cause digestive problems in some people include added fibers.
Similarly, eating too much muesli and oats can cause bloating and gastrointestinal problems. When you have just started to eat such cereals, always begin with a low quantity. Once your body gets used to the food, you can increase the dose as per your body’s requirements. Many people with gluten intolerance are advised to avoid consuming oats because they may contain wheat, rye or barley, which are known to contain gluten. However, in individuals who have not had symptoms of gluten intolerance for at least six months, consuming moderate quantities of pure, uncontaminated oats appears to be safe.
Muesli containing dry fruits, usually have added sugar. This can delay your weight-loss journey. In addition, it can cause chronic inflammation in your body and heart diseases.
Precautions when healthy eating
1. Don’t ever skip breakfast
2. Don’t hurt yourself with sugar
3. Eat veggies
4. Eat in small quantities
5. Try to eat 4-5 small meals in a day
6. Have healthy snacks handy, but eat them in small proportions
How to choose a healthy snack If you’re still confused about how to choose a healthy snack, there you go:
1. Look for low fats: Whenever opting for cereals, always have an eye for low-cholesterol boosters. You can check out Alpino muesli, which has zero trans fat and cholesterol. It is a good source of omega-3 and dietary fiber along with 12 grams of protein per serving.
2. High Fiber: High fiber helps with bowel movement and heart health and is a source of energy which aids in weight management. You can try MuscleBlaze high-protein oats which have 22g of protein per serving. It is also loaded with probiotics to enhance gut health and better nutrient digestion and absorption.
Conclusion
To sum up, while snacking can be beneficial for your overall health, it’s important to be mindful and avoid overeating or becoming fixated on certain foods. Pay attention to what’s in your food, and how much you’re eating, and listen to your body’s signals. By making smart decisions and adding variety to your diet, you’ll be able to enjoy the perks of snacking while protecting your health in the long term. So, eat responsibly to maintain a healthy lifestyle.