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…

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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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND