Snack: How Do I Do It?

Some eagerly anticipate it, while others, caught up in hectic schedules, have no idea what it is, or even those who "graze" between meals.

So, the initial question is: snack or no snack?

I would say definitely yes to snacking.

And maybe even two a day, depending on your daily needs (work or study schedules, shifts) and physical activity.

With the right snack, we avoid getting too hungry between main meals, and also, by dividing meals more, we keep our metabolism more active.

Second question: does the perfect snack exist?

I would say no, but here are some rules that can help make the right choices.

Snacking is a real mini-meal, so it's good to carve out even just a few minutes and dedicate yourself solely to it.

Avoid eating while standing or in front of the computer, it's better to sit down and enjoy the moment, almost like a ritual.

When to eat it? There are no precise rules, but certainly based on the feeling of hunger.

If the day starts very early, for example, you might need to have both snacks in the morning (or vice versa in the afternoon, for those who have lunch and dinner very spaced out).

So, what and how much to eat?

Depending on tastes, the snack can be sweet or savory, but it must be healthy, filling, and nutritious.

So, eliminated are: snacks high in simple sugars or fats, such as pizza slices, bakery products, croissants, sweets in general.

Some suggestions on how to organize your perfect snack:

• Low-fat plain yogurt with fresh fruit and oat flakes.
• Whole-grain crackers and small amounts of dried fruit.
• Cereal and dried fruit bar with a citrus juice.
• Whole-grain toast with tomato and olive oil + a teaspoon of mixed seeds.
• Herbal tea or infusion or tea with whole-grain biscuits (...but without exaggerating!)
• Fresh fruit and vegetable juice.
• Long coffees, herbal teas, teas, infusions, strictly without sugar, are free to sip hot or cold depending on the season.

Finally, regarding quantities, it depends on many, too many factors that would be impossible to address here (age, sex, daily caloric intake). In general: if you are largely inactive, a light snack with fruit or yogurt will suffice, but if, on the other hand, you lead an active life or exercise, it becomes necessary to consume a richer and more complete mini-meal.