The Snacking Habit that’s HARMING Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 26, 2024
Do you know what’s really changed in the last few decades?
Well, besides cell phones, self-driving cars, and the endless 24/7 news cycle.
Snacks!
Our snacking habits have been completely transformed. And NOT for the better.
Snacking has gone from an occasional treat to folks gobbling down two, three, or even FOUR snacks daily.
You might not think YOU snack too much. But the truth is, all-day grazing has become such a common habit that many of us don’t even realize we’re doing it.
And if you’re doubting that snacking really IS a problem, I’ve got some shocking news.
Researchers analyzed survey data from over 20,000 Americans and found these junk foods make up almost a quarter of the total calories consumed by U.S. adults.
In fact, snacks account for a staggering one-third of the added sugars in our diets.
On average, we take in a whopping 400 to 500 calories just from snacks DAILY. Which is more than what many people eat for breakfast.
The trouble is, most of the foods we mindlessly munch on are nutritionally bankrupt, ultra-processed JUNK.
We’re filling up on empty calories rather than choosing healthy, satisfying snacks that provide necessary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Our non-stop grazing on chips, candy, soda, and sweets wreaks havoc on our metabolism, causes blood sugar spikes, and packs on excess pounds.
So, while innovations in technology and transportation have rapidly progressed, our snacking habits have done precisely the opposite.
But you CAN break the cycle and change your snackaholic ways. Commit to CONSCIOUS eating.
Never take a bite without asking yourself if you really need it, why you’re eating it, and if you can make a BETTER choice. You’ll find you often reach for snacks out of sheer boredom or habit.
You can take it further and keep a food journal for a few weeks to see how much you’re REALLY snacking. You might be shocked.
And then, when you DO choose to have an occasional treat, try making it a healthier choice. Replace those empty-calorie snacks with something like carrots sticks or a handful of nuts.
These natural foods will fill you up quicker and support your body with the good nutrition it’s TRULY craving.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
This COMMON Habit Could KILL You
Taking steps to improve heart health? Beware, one increasingly common habit could undo your hard work, putting your heart, health, and LIFE at risk.
The DISTURBING Truth About Diet Soda
If you drink DIET soda because it’s a healthier choice, I have bad news. The case against your diet soft drink habit is now STRONGER than ever.
Natural Sleep Solution Costs PENNIES a day
Exciting new research reveals a simple, safe, and natural solution that could soon have you sleeping like a baby again.
Common Treat DESTROYS Your Brain
You know what regularly indulging in sugary treats can do to your waistline. But you likely DON’T know the harm sugar can do to your BRAIN.
Mailbag: My FAIL-PROOF Trick for 2024 Resolution Success
I’ve seen many well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions fail as the initial enthusiasm wears off. My trick assures a home run EVERY TIME.
Colon Cancer “Cover-Up” Puts YOU at Risk
You can SLASH your risk for deadly colon cancer with 2 simple changes. Yet you never hear about these risks. Why the silence? You’ll be FURIOUS when you find out.
Germ Magnet Puts YOU at Risk (GROSS!)
There’s one item we touch DAILY that scientists say almost certainly carries sickening germs. Yet most folks rarely clean it. That’s a mistake.
P.S. 5 reasons why you can’t STOP snacking.
Source
Heitman K, Thomas SE, Kelly O, Fanelli SM, Krok-Schoen JL, Luo M, et al. (2023) Snacks contribute considerably to total dietary intakes among adults stratified by glycemia in the United States. PLOS Glob Public Health 3(10): e0000802. doi. org /10.1371 /journal. pgph.0000802
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...
Confused About Protein Powders? Read This
So, you’re interested in trying protein powders. You may be planning on making breakfast smoothies with one. Or perhaps you’ll use it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead. A high-protein drink can be a great way to start the day because it helps you stay full far longer than a sugary bowl of cereal or a...
You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes. We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation. Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity. But wait, there’s a plot twist! Apparently,...
Mailbag: You CAN Avoid Diabetes Medications (Here’s How...)
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor mentioned that I might need to start taking medication. Is there anything else I can do to manage my sugars before taking drugs?” – Nick Hi Nick, I’ve got good news! Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and reversible with some extra effort on your...
“Osteoporosis Proof” Your Bones with a Breakfast Staple
Everything from ad campaigns to our doctors’ praise has given milk an unbeatable bone-building halo. For years, it’s been drummed into us. Milk is the ultimate key to strong bones. But IS dairy as good as it gets when it comes to protecting our bones? Don’t get me wrong—I AM a fat of full-fat dairy....
Delicious Drink SLASHES Bowel Cancer Risk
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of beating cancer. You’re on top of the world. After all, you’ve literally escaped death, and you have the endorphins surging through your body to prove it. But after that initial high, worry can start to sneak in because remission comes with a new risk—recurrence. With bowel cancer, the...
The Tiny Green Secret to a SHARPER Brain
We all want to keep our brains functioning at their absolute best for as long as possible. In fact, I bet you’re already doing some of the usual brain-supporting things like taking supplements, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and trying to keep stress levels in check. However, you can add one more thing to your...
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...