What’s the difference between a meal and a snack? So glad you asked 

Meals are encouraged to contain a balance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats). They’re usually more extensive than snacks and, hopefully, not meant to be eaten on the go. When you plan to eat a meal, you’re generally not expecting to eat again before 3.5-5 hours.

Snacks, on the other hand, aren’t usually as well-rounded because they tend to be smaller, while the plan would be to eat again in less than three hours or to use the snack as something to bridge you to your next meal. Be deliberate when choosing a snack to choose grains with a low-glycemic index or high fiber to help with satiety. Here are some snack examples:

String cheese and fruit

Greek yogurt with nuts and fresh fruit

1/3 cup trail mix and fruit

1/2 turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread

Hummus or bean dip with carrots. jicama, cucumbers, or celery

Whether it’s a meal or a snack, remember to balance your macros (protein, unprocessed carbs, and healthy fat) for slower digestion and more balanced blood sugar reactions. You’ll reap the added benefits of increased satiety with less overall hunger!

Snag this Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Edamame recipe for this weekend’s July 4th festivities!