The science of snacking involves understanding the balance of nutrients and practicing portion control to maintain a healthy diet. When it comes to snacking, it's important to choose foods that provide a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep energy levels stable and hunger at bay.

For example, a balanced snack could include apple slices (carbohydrates), a small handful of almonds (protein and healthy fats), and a piece of cheese (protein and fats). This combination provides a good balance of nutrients and can help prevent overeating during the next meal.

Portion control is also crucial when it comes to snacking. It's easy to mindlessly consume large portions of snacks, which can lead to excessive calorie intake. Using smaller plates or containers, pre-portioning snacks into individual servings, and being mindful of serving sizes can help with portion control.

References:

• Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Snack attack? Try these 5 tips for healthy snacking. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/snack-attack-try-these-5-tips-for-healthy-snacking
• Mayo Clinic. (2021). Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-calorie-snacks/art-20044576