Author: Matthew McArdle for YoNaturals

It’s a familiar scene: dinner seems so far off but lunch was like it was ages ago, yet your stomach is growling. To combat the hunger, you start to eye the bag of potato chips sitting on the counter, but you know you’ll feel guilty if you eat them, so you end up convincing yourself to wait. But if you think that your best bet is to avoid snacking completely, you should think again.

If you take variety, moderation, and balance into consideration, there are many snack foods that will fit perfectly into any diet plan, so ditch the idea that they need to be avoided completely.

In fact, snacking throughout the day can actually be beneficial, because eating several “mini-meals” through the form of snacking can lead to overall improved health. For example, snacking oftentimes can prevent binging during mealtimes; eating a few pretzels or a piece of fresh fruit when you get that afternoon craving may actually keep you from taking that second—or third—helping during dinner.

Moreover, snacking can provide you with extra nutrients and energy because, as many of us can attest, traditional prepared meals can many times lose out to busy schedules. By snacking, you ensure that you get some nourishment rather than none at all. Finally, snacking is a prime way for those of us with small appetites and whose stomachs cannot hold as much food—like children and older adults who are not very active and burn fewer calories—to remain healthy.

However, in order to maximize the benefits of snacking, you need to do it right. Choose foods that can satisfy your hunger while providing your body with energy and adequate nutrients. And by choosing a wide variety of snacks, you can make sure that you’re providing your body with many different types of vital nutrients.

For example, low-fat whole grains such as crackers and pretzels are full of complex carbohydrates and fiber, while fruits and vegetables make you feel full and are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Nuts and seeds contain protein, which makes you feel fuller for longer, and monounsaturated fats, which are actually good for you. And low-fat dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, which are excellent sources of calcium and protein in addition to many other nutrients, can be great snacks as long as they are eaten in moderation, because they can be high in fat.

YoNaturals vending machines are filled with just the type of snacks that are nutritious and tasty enough to get you to that next meal. If you can’t find one of our organic and natural vending machines, then hopefully you’ve packed something healthy to get you through the day. So, snackers, never fear. As long as you plan correctly, snacks can be a deliciously great way to maintain a healthful diet.