Contrary to popular belief, snacking is not bad for you. It’s actually very good for maintaining a healthy metabolism and helps prevent overeating during meals. You just have to know how to snack the healthy way.  Here are three simple tips for smart snacking.

1.  Make it healthy and nutritious

The best snacks incorporate protein and carbohydrates to satisfy your hunger and provide you the energy you need. Unhealthy snacks tend to give you an initial burst of energy, but leave you feeling dull and ready for a nap within 20 minutes. Stick to simple, unprocessed snacks with few ingredients and incorporate different food groups. Some of the best choices for snacks include an apple with peanut or almond butter, veggies and hummus, yogurt and granola and cheese and whole grain crackers.

2.  Practice mindful eating

When you are glued to the TV or computer, you are less likely to realize how much you are consuming. The best way to remain mindful when eating is to eliminate any distraction around you. Focus on the smell, texture and taste of your food. This will help you pay closer attention to your hunger cues and will lessen the likelihood that you will overeat.

3.  Don’t eat your feelings

Staying mindful will also help you determine whether you are eating out of hunger or emotion. Take note of your mood before you grab that snack. Are you stressed? Upset? Sad? These can all be reasons for you to comfort yourself by indulging in a treat. Emotional eating usually consists of unhealthy choices, which is another reason to be aware of why you are eating in the first place. So if you figure out that you are actually not hungry, find something else to do instead. Take a walk or treat yourself with something other than food, such as a movie or shopping.

So don’t think twice about grabbing a midday treat. Just take our advice and snack right.