Many individuals who seek assistance from a nutrition coach want to know if snacking is a healthy or unhealthy habit. While snacking mindlessly when you’re not hungry or just because you’re bored is not a good thing, well-timed, healthy snacks can play an essential role in a healthy diet. Healthy snacks help keep your metabolism revved while satiating your hunger. This can help you avoid letting your stomach get to the point where you’re so hungry that you overeat when you do sit down to a meal—a common problem that leads to volatile blood sugar levels, and ultimately, weight gain.

Obviously, junk food and baked goods are not healthy snacks. But when you choose high-protein snacks or fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, snacking can be a healthy habit that helps you maintain a balanced diet.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Snacks Stave Off Cravings

Most individuals start to feel hunger pangs after three to four hours, which is an appropriate time for having a...