Cholesterol

A food high in fiber tends to be less processed, which generally means better nutritional value.

An adult needs at least 25-30 grams of fiber a day and most people get less than half this amount.

Healthy snacks can be a good way to add more fiber to your diet.

Foods containing fiber also tend to provide energy over a longer period of time rather than quickly digested refined carb snacks.

They can also provide a greater sense of fullness so you are less likely to overeat and you feel satisfied with fewer calories.The American diet tends to be high in sodium.

Adding salty snacks only adds more and can easily put you over the recommended limit of 2,300 mg a day.

If you have high blood pressure, this limit drops to no more than about 1,500 mg.

a day.

Check food labels and consider all the other foods in your day that might contain sodium.With a little preplanning, you do not have to fall prey to less healthy snack foods.

Do not allow longer than about three to four hours between meals and snacks.

When your brain and body are low on fuel, you will go into the next meal more hungry, will tend to eat larger portions, and will often make less healthy food choices.

Plan to eat before you are excessively hungry.Have food always available.

If you are headed out the door, take something with y...

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