Staving Off Snack Attacks: Saving Money, Calories by Prepackaging Snacks

Have you ever found yourself snacking on a bag of your favorite chips, handful after handful? The next thing you know, you have eaten an entire bag of chips!

Don't feel bad; it has happened to all of us. My personal downfall is for Oreo cookies. I have a plan of redemption! First of all, you must first understand the purpose of a snack. A snack is a snack, and it is not intended for a meal. If you are that hungry, make a quick sandwich.

Most storage bag companies make snack size zip bags. When they first came out on the market, we were using them for our baby's cheerios. Just because they are baby-sized bags, does not mean that they are exclusively for baby and children's snacks. Snack size baggies and sandwich bags are the perfect "snack" keeper for everyone, especially if you are trying to diet.

First things first, clean out your refrigerator and dedicate a shelf or a drawer for only snacks. Do the same in your pantry or cabinet, keep a plastic storage container or a small basket on the shelf so snack bags won't get shuffled around and lost in the cabinet.

When you get home from the grocery store, wash all of your fruits and vegetables. (make this a habit for all of your fresh produce, even if it is "pre-washed".

If you have baby carrots or celery pieces, fill snack bags according to what you will eat in the next few days. Store in the proper place in fridge.

Divide your chips, cookies and crackers and nuts the same way. Only store in bags what you will consume in the next few days. For bigger chips, you will probably need to fill the sandwich size bags. Small chips like corn chips, Pringles, and cheese puffs fit well in the snack bags.

What fresh fruit will store the best? Berries, orange slices, and grapes store best. All other fruit turn brown.

Now that your snacks are organized and properly measured, you can grab a bag and go. This organization tool is very helpful when you need to pack a lunch everyday. Also, the snack bags are great to take in the car.

When you prepackage your snack foods yourself, you can save money because you can buy the items in bulk and you save yourself some calories because you will only eat a snack-sized snack!