Common Snack Mistakes that Cost You More Money

Everybody loves snacks. They’re great for satisfying that sudden urge to eat something, especially when there’s nothing else available, but they can also cost you more money than you would like. 

Admit it: Food is addictive. Processed foods in particular are engineered to make you crave more, and therefore eat more. The snacks that are marketed to kids are especially dangerous, because they affect their developing brains.

If your bad snacking habits have led to a few extra pounds or higher medical bills than you would like, it’s time for a change. Here are 5 common snack mistakes that can be costing you more money each year.

Eating calorie-loaded baked goods with breakfast instead of eggs or lean meat.

Eggs are loaded with healthy, satisfying protein, so they will keep you full until lunchtime. Although they are fairly high in cholesterol, the effect on cardiovascular health is minimal if you don’t suffer from heart disease or high cholesterol. Eggs are also relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased at farmer’s markets or through CSAs. 

Lean meats like turkey and chicken contain no saturated fat, are very filling, and can also be purchased affordably at local grocery stores or through community supported agriculture.

Eating junk food, especially chocolate and other sweets.

This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to drive the point home: You are what you eat. 

If you overindulge in processed snack foods every day, your body will suffer from a lack of essential nutrients and a buildup of preservatives, colorings, and additives. This can result in a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, or heart disease – not to mention a lower quality of life due to poor health.

Good thing, there are now stores and snack cafés  that sell and even deliver healthy snacks right at our doorsteps. For instance, snacks delivery in Singapore is popular among those who want to indulge in popcorn without the guilt of eating too salty or too sweet pops. There are also delivery services for salads, sandwiches, and other guilt-free snacks.

Not incorporating enough protein into your diet.

There’s no harm in occasionally indulging in snacks delivery in Singapore for your favorite popped kernel fix. But incorporating protein-rich food into your snacking routine is better.

Don’t forget that protein is the building block for muscle, so it’s important to eat foods that’s rich in protein every day – especially if you work out. 

Animal-based proteins like fish, milk, and pork tend to be more expensive than plant-based proteins like beans or tofu. Of the animal proteins, red meat tends to be the most costly. Thus, instead of eating bacon for breakfast (which can easily cost $5 per serving), mix it up with eggs or a tofu scramble.

Drinking sugary drinks, particularly soda and juice.

Sugar-sweetened beverages take the biggest toll on your wallet as well as your waistline. 

Even if you really like juice, you’ll save money by drinking water with a splash of 100% fruit juice every now and then. And make sure to check your bottled water for added sugars – the label may say “0 calories,” but it could still be packed with sugar.

Not planning ahead.

Many people make impulse purchases at the grocery store because they didn’t take the time to plan out their meals and snacks beforehand, which can result in a lot of wasted food and money. 

Whether you use pen and paper, or you prefer to plan online, the key is to find a strategy that works for you.

If you practice these five strategies when it comes to snacking, both your body and your wallet will thank you.