When I’m bored, I tend to snack…..a lot! I also don’t always eat the right foods because of convenience and laziness, especially when I’m at work. And the number one thing I do that is sabotaging my diet is that I don’t use the right amount of food when I eat and so I tend to overeat (at times) – which isn’t a good thing, obviously.
Portion control can be a difficult feat, especially when it comes to busy schedules and always snacking on-the-go.
Here are some simple tips from Hershey’s Moderation Nation to help you spice up your snack routine while maintaining a balanced diet.
About Hersheys Moderation Nation
Hersheys Moderation Nation is a go-to source for tips and tools to help you achieve balance in all aspects of your life and find happiness through well-being. There are a variety of tips and tools on the Moderation Nation website, including advice for balanced eating, ways to get moving with short bouts of activity and play throughout the day for you and the family, and strategies and inspiration for balancing life at home and in the office. The Hershey Company is proud to partner with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org) and American Council on Exercise ® (www.acefitness.org).
Check out these perfectly-portioned and portable snack tips:
1. Grapes-on-the-Go! A simple way to make grapes a grab-and-go snack is by putting them in your freezer overnight. Fill up a container of frozen grapes before heading out the door in the morning and enjoy at your leisure – no refrigerator necessary! If you nibble on them while they’re still frozen they have a refreshing Popsicle-like taste. By afternoon, the grapes will be thawed, but not bruised!
2. Remember this “Rule of Thumb.” Sometimes it’s tough to remember portion sizes for snacks when you’re busy and on-the-go. The best tool to use when portioning your snacks is actually always with you – your hand!
• The size of your thumb = a serving of cheese
• Two thumbs = a serving of your favorite nut butter
• A handful = the number of nuts you should eat
• A balled fist = a serving of fruits or veggies
3. Make It Easy to Grab Your Favorite Treat and Go! Try out a carrying case to keep treats away from your phone and wallet. Using something about the size of a lipstick case will fit easily inside any purse, so you can always have your favorite variety on hand, like HERSHEY®’S KISSES® Brand Chocolates. Four HERSHEY®’S KISSES® Brand Milk Chocolates or five HERSHEY®’S KISSES® Dark Chocolates can be enjoyed for just 100 calories. Feeling creative? Bedazzle your carrying case to make it more fun and an accessory you’ll never leave home without!
4. Drink Up! Reusable water bottles make the perfect accessory to keep on your desk, in your car or on your kitchen table. Pick one in a bright color that will catch your eye to serve as a reminder to drink more water throughout the day! In fact, the thirst mechanism is sometimes mistaken for hunger. To make sure you’re not mistaking hunger for thirst, reach for your water bottle first!
5. Keep It Interesting! Looking for something new to snack on? Try adding spices like cocoa and cinnamon to granola, nuts, cereal or dried fruit to create your own take on homemade traditional trail mix. Make individual snacks by portioning the mix into sandwich bags. These small bites will keep you satisfied between meals!
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Bliss, Hershey’s Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada.
Disclosure: I received information about the health benefits of cocoa from The Hershey Company.
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