February is Heart Month in Canada. Below are some tips on healthy snacking.

Health experts recommend eating three small meals plus a couple of nutritious snacks throughout the day. Here are a few great reasons to snack:

• Healthy snacking helps you feel energized during the day and helps you beat afternoon fatigue.
• Healthy snacking helps you get the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and protect you from heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
• Healthy snacking is a good way to manage your hunger. It prevents you from overeating at the next meal and can help you control your weight.

A healthy snack is one that has:

• Fibre: Fibre will make you feel full, helping you resist higher fat and higher calorie temptations. Snacks with high fibre include plain, low-fat popcorn and whole-grain cereal.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates will give you quick energy. They include whole-wheat crackers, vegetables and fruit.
• Protein: Protein will provide sustained energy. Choices include lower-fat cheese, roasted soybeans and unsalted nuts.

Be sure to watch your portion sizes. A snack is meant to be a mini-meal to tide you over until the next time you eat. Avoid processed snack foods such as doughnuts, cookies and other baked goods that often contain saturated fat and trans fat.

For more simple steps to making healthy choices, visit http://www.heartandstroke.com/atf/cf/%7B99452D8B-E7F1-4BD6-A57D-B136CE6C95BF%7D/eat-well-live-longer-en.pdf.

Source: Health and Stroke Foundation.