Bad Things About Snack Foods

Snack foods serve the purpose of light meals so that you don't over-eat at your regular meals. There are many options available such as chips, crackers, dried fruit, gummy snacks, granola bars and more. These foods are different in tastes and textures, but do share a common thread. Snacks have bad things to take into consideration besides the taste. Many are high in simple carbohydrates and fats and offer little else. Although the snacks will keep you from getting hungry between meals they can also alter your normal eating habits.

Excess Calories

• Small items like cookies can have a high calorie count.

  The portion may say three per serving, but that does not mean you will follow the guidelines. This can easily lead to doubling the amount of calories you get with each snack. It's easy to reach for a handful of chips or cookies to quickly dissipate the hunger, but this can increase your calories. High calorie snacks added with your regular meals can lead to excess calories and weight gain.

Carbohydrates and Fats

• Candy bars are an example of a simple carbohydrate source.

  There are healthy snack choices such as fruits, veggies and nuts, but some alternative snacks offer higher fat and sugar contents than nutrients. Snacks made with simple sugars will cause an insulin spike and sugar crashes afterward. This rapid decrease in energy levels is created because simple sugars do not offer sustained energy like complex carbohydrates.

Tooth Decay

• Exchange sugary snacks for crunchy fruits and veggies to reduce tooth decay.

  Many snacks are loaded with simple carbohydrates which can lead to tooth decay. Foods high in carbohydrates such as crackers increase the acidity in the mouth and cause the enamel to erode. Constant snacking does not allow the acidity to abate and can cuase cavities, especially if you continually snack throughout the day without brushing.

Missed Meals

• Over-eating snacks can lead to skipped meals and over-eating later in the day.

  Snack foods lead to overeating and the skipping of normal meals. Snacks are meant to tie you over, not replace proper meals.