Snacking has a bad reputation of being unhealthy, but it's not an inherently bad thing. Snacking is a natural urge, and it's best to respond to this impulse accordingly. Problems only arise when snacking becomes excessive, replaces meals, and is centered on highly processed, empty calories. These eventually add up, and your body stores the extra energy you might consume in the form of fat. Making sure that you're eating healthy, wholesome snacks in moderation is the best way to regulate your appetite between meals, while also giving your body the right calories it needs to feel good and perform at optimal levels.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
One type of food that is largely absent from many of our diets is raw food. Raw food is beneficial to your health because it works the digestive system and is more slowly absorbed by the body, keeping blood sugar levels in check. Processed foods on the other hand - which most of us are used to by now - quickly pass through the digestive tract, are absorbed by the body, and cause a shock to the system that can spike blood sugar levels. This results in the spike in energy we feel when you have, say, a Clif Bar. You feel great for an hour or so, and then slump down again. This creates the desire to grab another snack, to once again boost energy levels temporarily.
By eating more raw fruits and vegetables, you'll be giving your body valuable vitamins and nutrients, limit excessive calories, and provide yourself with a constant, high energy level. Try putting out a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter or next to your door. When you're heading out for another busy day, try to grab one or two for later in the day. Try apples, oranges, bananas, kiwis, grapefruits, or pomegranates. Always keep fresh vegetables on hand that are good for snacking. Carrots, broccoli, salads, or radishes all work great in this capacity.
Have a Schedule
Rather than acting on every impulse to snack, set a loose schedule for yourself. This can be having a light snack between breakfast and lunch, and then later between lunch and dinner. You can be even more exact, making specific times. Snacking healthy actually helps keep your metabolism at a proper level and keeps you feeling good and healthy. That said, feeling hungry is only natural from time to time throughout the day. We should not always feel completely satisfied - it's simply not natural. Three meals with a three snacks throughout the day is usually enough to get your 2000-2500 calories you need to maintain good health.
Drink Liquids
Drinking water or hot tea throughout the day can keep your mouth and hands busy, especially if you work a desk job. It will provide a little cushion in your stomach if you're hungry, and will stave off the need to eat more snacks.
For information on the vegetarian diet, check out VegOnline.org. There are 100's of articles on all sorts of issues, including vegetarian health, lifestyle, nutrition, and more!
