There’s a fine line between waiting too long between meals and snacking all day to curb your hunger.  Waiting too long can cause you to overeat during your mealtimes because you’re ravenous – and grazing all day can lead to mindless or habitual eating that could cause overeating, especially when you’re still eating full meals at dinner time.  The fine line – the sweet spot – is figuring out your unique way of snacking smart and being prepared.  Here are three steps to get you there:
 
Hunger vs. Habit.  Check in with yourself and notice if you are reaching for a snack out of actual hunger or habit.  Do you reach for a snack during that 3 pm slump at the office, purely out of boredom?  If it’s boredom you’re trying to cure rather than hunger – take a 10-minute break to enjoy a short walk around the office to curb your boredom.
 
 Fill the gaps with snacks.  Since a large part of the population finds it difficult to fit in all of their fruits and veggies each day, use snack times to fill those gaps.  Snack on fresh fruit, celery and carrots with hummus, or a stick of string cheese.  Lately, my favorite afternoon snack has been a crispy Michigan apple and a few almonds.
 
 Preparation.  Once you experiment and find your favorite healthy snacks, keep them within reach.  Have a snack stored in your desk, car, purse, and gym bag so that you are never without a healthy snack when you need it.  If at all possible, making your snacks feel more like a treat may help you enjoy them even more.  Enjoy your snack on a plate or in a bowl and slow down to eat more mindfully. 
 
Snack tip:  Drinking a tall glass of water when you feel the urge to snack will help keep you stay hydrated throughout the day.  Dehydration can cause you to crave unhealthy foods and to feel hungry when you’re just thirsty.  So keep your hydration levels up and you’ll be feeling great in no time! 
 
Need more snack suggestions? Send me an email at sarawolfsen@gmail.com to request your free handout: 20 Healthy Snack Ideas.

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.

 The world we live in today is toxic, the air we breathe is full of pollution, and our water is not 100% clean.  We are inundated on a daily basis with toxins we cannot avoid.   Fortunately, there are many things we can avoid and control when it comes to toxins that threaten our bodies.  Choosing to fuel ourselves with foods that naturally fight toxins is an essential step in decreasing our toxic load.  Here are five foods that naturally detox the body…
 
Garlic.  Garlic is extremely valuable to the body as it contains antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties that keep your immune system resilient.  It is also packed with sulfur – a mineral that supports the body in detoxification.  Best news yet – it’s delicious and a great addition to almost any meal.  So, eat up!  
 
Turmeric.  You may know this beneficial herb as the main spice in curry.  Did you also know it’s great for reducing inflammation, fighting free-radical antioxidants, and detoxing the liver?  You can use turmeric to season your veggies, add into your soups, take it as a supplement or make a homemade turmeric tea.
 
Leafy greens.  It’s no surprise that I’m telling you how advantageous it is to eat your greens, right?  Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, getting greens into your diet will leave you with lasting results.  Greens are also rich in fiber which helps you feel satisfied longer.  You can be sure to get your greens in salads, green smoothies, juicing and cooking your greens into your meals.  Aim for a green at every meal. Can you do it?
 
Dandelion Root.  You may not have been expecting that one!  Yes, dandelion root has incredible health benefits – and is especially beneficial for your digestive system and your liver.   A simple way to add it to your diet is by drinking dandelion root tea, which you can pick up at any health food store.
 
Beets.  Beets are fantastic for detoxing the liver, among the tremendous amount of antioxidants, calcium and vitamins they possess. Beets are popular is salads and juices.
 
Many of these tips include detoxing the liver.  When the liver is clean and functioning optimally, your body is better able to balance your energy, hormones, and the rest of your body functions more pleasantly.  Try one of these tips today and notice how much better you feel tomorrow!
 
Are you making a fresh start this Fall? Email me at sarawolfsen@gmail.com to request my free eGuide: The One-Day Fall Reset that offers suggestions for a full day of rejuvenation for your body, mind and soul.

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.