This post was sponsored by Balance as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

We’re all familiar with the feeling of wanting to snack. There are some days when all I ever feel like doing is snacking while on other days I’ll just grab a snack or two.

I’ve found that eating a snack between meals can help curb my hunger levels when I sit down for a larger meal. That way, I don’t inhale the meal at my place setting. Instead, I eat a comfortable amount of food. But, did you know that snacking is also a great way to pack in those necessary nutrients that your body needs?

Now, we all know that making making multiple trips to the pantry and refrigerator throughout the day to grab a snack or two can also result in some additional pounds. So, it’s important to snack smarter.

5 Simple Ways to Snack Smarter

1.) Practice Portion Control

When you pour yourself a bowl of snacks, don’t opt for the biggest bowl. Take nuts for example. They are full of nutrition and can leave you feeling very full after enjoying just a few of them. But, they are also packed with calories. So, pour yourself a smaller bowl of nuts to enjoy and regain energy.

2.) Try a Combo Snack

Mix up your snack by combining snacks. Instead of just snacking on peanuts, add in some grapes. Or, snack on a few crackers with slices of cheese. Combining macronutrients, flavors, and textures will help keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

3.) Snack Consciously

We’ve all been there … pour yourself a bowl of snack food, sit down to watch television, and the next thing you know the bowl is empty, along with the box of snack food. When you feel like having a snack, stop what you’re doing and be mindful of your snack time. That way, you don’t overindulge unknowingly.

4.) Prepare Food Ahead of Time

Make smart snacks easy to enjoy. Cut your fruits and vegetables and have them visible in your refrigerator. Having to wash and prepare fruits and vegetables can be time-consuming when you want to grab a snack quickly. By having your fruits and vegetables prepared, it will make it more likely for you to grab the more wholesome snack options.

5.) Pack On-the-Go Nutritious Snacks

I love to run errands with my son, as well as head to local parks to get some fresh air and have fun in the sun. When I’m out and about with him, I often get hungry. That’s why it’s always nice to have a nutritious, wholesome snack in my bag just in case I need a quick pick-me-up. What’s one of my favorite on-the-go snacks? Balance.

Balance is a snack that you can crave-freely, with the sweetness you want and nutrition a body needs. It’s a simple way to snack smarter and indulge in a way you can feel good about.

Balance bars are a nutritional snack option with the perfect balance of great taste and energizing ingredients. Balance is available in four delicious NEW flavors, including Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Pecan Turtle and Dulce De Leche & Caramel. 

A scrumptious treat that is nutritionally balanced, each new bar is 190 calories or less, contains 5-7 grams of protein and 5-6 grams of fiber. For the first time ever, Balance is now also packaged in single mini bars – perfect for easy enjoyment to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle.

Balance is available at CVS, Amazon and select Walmart stores nationwide. Be sure to follow Balance on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive one six-pack package of Balance in one of the following varieties: Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat, Chocolate Peppermint Patty, Dark Chocolate Turtle or Dulce De Leche & Caramel. I cannot guarantee flavor preference (ARV: $7.74). Please enter for a chance to win via the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What’s your favorite snack to help you snack smarter?

This post was sponsored by Balance as part of the Mom It Forward Blogger Network. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Note: I am not a health professional. All thoughts and opinions are my own from my own personal experience. For professional advice, please contact your health care professional.