Snack Smart To Avoid Obesity

Fad diets are of no use in losing weights and are not healthy attempts to do so, according to nutritional experts from the American Dietetic Association. Dieticians consulted by WebMD also agree and say that spending hours together at the local gym is no answer either.

The growing rate of obesity in the United States has caused concern among experts, who are particularly alarmed at the increasing childhood obesity. Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD, LDN, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association said, "In-between snacks can make or break your diet. You need snacks if there is a more than a four-hour gap between meals, to keep blood sugar under control and prevent overeating."

Connie Diekman, MEd, RD, LD, FADA, president-elect of the American Dietetic Association said, "Research studies show that swallowing calories does not give the same level of satisfaction as slowly chewing food."

Some of the other guidelines include:

* Snack smart

* Eat high volume of nutritious food and enjoy every bite of it.

* Make sure you get three square meals a day.

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* Vary what you eat, but not all at once.

"Starting the day without breakfast is like starting your car without fuel; you won't get very far," Diekman said.

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