by Jennifer Brooks

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: January 28, 2009

Healthy snacking is a major necessity in my home. It isn't always easy to tell my three childen that they can't have something. On the other hand I know their future is at stake. I'm set on teaching them healthy options now.

As a child I was taught to eat bad. I mean bad. I came from a family of big, fried food lovers. In between meals it was special treat, chips. The 100 calorie packs are great opposed to the way I use to eat. My childhood eating led me to high cholesterol by the time i was eighteen. The only thing that helped me through it was the grace of God and setting myself some healthy eating habits.

I do have a healthy word though as far as the type of snack packs you decide to purchase. I would recommend for you to choose pretzels, cheese nips, and popcorn, rather than the debbie cakes and cookies. The whole point is to eat healthier. On occasions if your having a chocolate attack, like I do sometimes, then find a box of 100-calorie chocolate chip cookies. Eat the serving amount and remember tomorrow will be another day.

These packs come in small quantities on purpose, They're not meant to stuff your face. Did you know that your stomach actually holds about a cup of food. Anything over that amount is stretching your stomach. I have been on weight watchers for awhile now, and I want to add that these 100-calorie packs work well with my points plan. Usually there about one to two points each. Not bad really.

My favorite snack pack is of course any kind of chips. I was surprised when the Doritos pack actually tasted like Doritos. All these snacks are great on occasions. However, I do want to point out that you also have the option of packing your own snacks. This would save on the cost as well, because a variety of those 100-calorie packs don't come cheap. Consider they now have packaged fruit cups. My favorite is the peaches and cream. It is fabulous. Also a few more suggestions might be, lowfat crackers with lowfat cream cheese, lowfat pudding or jello, and graham crackers with peanut butter. Moderation is the key to those snacks as well. Actually moderation is the key to anything.

Choosing healthy snack alternatives is very wise. It's the very thing to do to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer. I don't wish these on anyone. Iv'e had to retrain my way of eating and let me tell it has been a long journey. Most of the time I find it difficult. When your standing in the middle of Mcdonalds and your only allowed ten points for lunch, it;s hard. That ten points covers a small cheeseburger and a water. Usually my husband orders a Big Mac meal with sweet tea. That is very difficult at times to look at his order and to make myself believe I'm happy with mine. More than anything it's a mindset. The good news is you can overcome. Whether you choose snack packs, fruit, or salads, remember anyone can over come. How? He that overcometh, overcometh through the name of the Lord.

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