As Catholics, we recognize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This understanding calls us to practice good stewardship over our health, including the foods we consume daily. One often-overlooked aspect of our diet is snacking, which can have a significant impact on our well-being.
“The typical adult in many countries gets as much as a quarter of their daily calories from snacks and beverages that they consume outside of breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” according to a recent study. The choices we make in these moments of hunger between meals can either nourish our bodies or lead to poor health outcomes.
The Impact of Snacking on Health
While eating balanced meals is important, poor snacking habits can undermine an otherwise healthy diet. “Even if you tend to eat nutritious foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacking on junk foods can undo the metabolic benefits of your healthy meals,” said Federica Amati, a medical scientist at Imperial College London and head nutritionist at Zoe. Junk food snacks—such as cookies, candy, and potato chips—have been linked to increased visceral fat, higher body weight, and elevated blood sugar levels.
Since maintaining our health allows us to serve God and others effectively, making mindful choices when snacking is an act of virtue. Thankfully, there are healthier alternatives that provide nourishment while avoiding excessive sugar, sodium, and artificial additives.
Healthier Snack Options
If we are to honor the gift of our bodies, we should strive to choose foods that sustain us without harming our long-term health. Below are some of the best options for snacking wisely:
- Popcorn – “Popcorn is low in calories and high in fiber—an important nutrient that most adults don’t get enough of,” according to nutrition experts. However, it is important to choose varieties with minimal added salt and oils, such as SkinnyPop Original Popcorn or Good & Gather Organic Olive Oil and Himalayan Sea Salt Popcorn.
- Nuts and Seeds – Nuts provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them an excellent snack. However, “packaged nuts can be a salt bomb,” so it’s best to opt for lightly salted or unsalted versions like Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts.
- Crackers – Many store-bought crackers are highly processed, but some options include whole grains and seeds for better nutrition. Mary’s Gone Crackers Herb Original Crackers and Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers are examples of healthier choices.
- Beef Jerky – While jerky is a good source of protein, it’s crucial to avoid varieties with excessive sodium and preservatives such as sodium nitrite and potassium nitrate, which have been linked to health risks. Jerky’s Gourmet Smokehouse BBQ Premium Beef Jerky is a clean option with simple ingredients.
- Protein Bars – These can be a convenient source of nutrition when whole foods aren’t available, but many contain artificial additives and high sugar levels. Look for bars with natural ingredients, such as RXBAR Minis or Kind Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt.
Making Food Choices That Honor God
Choosing wholesome snacks aligns with our call to care for the bodies God has given us. As St. Paul reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). By selecting nutritious snacks over processed junk foods, we not only enhance our health but also cultivate discipline and gratitude for the resources God provides.
Incorporating healthy snacks into our daily routines allows us to serve others with energy and strength. It also helps us resist overindulgence, a virtue encouraged in Scripture. Let us strive to make food choices that reflect our faith and honor the Lord in all aspects of life—including what we eat between meals.
