Eating a healthy diet doesn't have to mean giving up tasty snacks

Eating well and being active go hand-in-hand when it comes to helping reduce the risk of various health problems. We all know it is important to eat healthy, but are Canadians actually doing this? A recent survey, the Boost 100 Calories Snack Poll, found that almost half of respondents over the age of 55 strive to eat a healthy balanced diet, but still need some help when it comes to snacking.

The poll revealed that one-third of respondents admit they rarely “snack plan” despite the vast majority agreeing that it is an important part of maintaining a healthy diet. For those living with diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet and choosing the right snacks is even more important.

“When it comes to healthy snacking, my advice is to have a plan so you can make better choices,” says Vincci Tsui, a registered dietitian. “Think about the nutrient benefits, sugar and salt quantity, and how appealing the snack will be. If you don't feel like eating the snack, you'll be much more likely to grab something that might seem more appealing but is less healthy.”

This is especially important for people living with diabetes who need to give more thought to how foods may affect their blood sugar levels. So, what should they reach for when choosing a snack? Tsui suggests the following:

• Go Nutrient Rich –Always have fruits and vegetables on hand such as leafy greens and vegetables like mushrooms, beets and carrots. They all offer a variety of nutrients and vitamins and will help you moderate your carbohydrate intake.

• Fibre Is Your Friend – Whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese or peanut butter are a great way to get some fibre in your diet and are a quick and healthy snack when you're short on time.

• Satisfy Those Cravings –Satisfy cravings with great taste in a nutritious way. Nutrition drinks like Boost 100 Calories can help satisfy sweet cravings and can be a great portion controlled option, especially for those living with diabetes