Podcast Episode 117: Snacking: Trends, Threats & Opportunities – Dr. Shelley Balanko
A Snacking Evolution
Much of how and what we eat is culturally determined. Because we are snacking more often, it’s important to understand our snacking motivations and expectations.”
Snacking, once culturally taboo, is now a legitimate pattern of eating, changing the way we eat and how we are nourished. 50% of all eating occasions are snacks, and consumers have greater expectations for snacks – seeking nourishment, optimization and pleasure. Market research reveals that the nutritional content of snack foods is changing in terms of protein content, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Snacks are not only becoming healthier, they are also becoming more wholesome, satisfying, hearty, and nutritious, blurring the boundaries between snacks and meals.
We explore all things snacking in this episode, including when people are snacking, what kinds of snacks they are consuming, the motivation for snacking, and snacking preferences.
Choose your snacks wisely! Many nutrient dense snacks can also offer a great taste, an opportunity to explore food culture, and provide a boost of energy to help us perform mentally and physically.”
Shelley Balanko, Ph.D.

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New Partnership!

Sound Bites is partnering with the American Association of Diabetes Educators! Stay tuned for updates on the podcast, blog and newsletter!
- The Expanding Access to DSMT Act was introduced to the Senate and the House. This bill will remove several barriers to access DSMES services. Get more info and a letter you can send to your representative to encourage them to support this bill here: diabeteseducator.org/ExpandAccess
- The study, “State of the Science: A Scoping Review and Gap Analysis of Diabetes Online Communities,” was recently published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. Overall, the data showed that DOCs have a lot to offer a person with diabetes. Here are some of the key findings.
- AADE published a study that enforces the efficacy of DSMES. A key takeaway: Results from the study showed that person-centered, team-based care for all participants produced a 12-month A1C reduction of 1.7 and 1.4 for intervention and control groups, respectively.
TODAY’S DIETITIAN SPRING SYMPOSIUM 2019
IS IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
MAY 19-22!
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Apply to join a limited-space workshop on Wednesday, May 22, from 9–11 AM. Check out the description and, if attending this 2-hour, 2-CEU workshop interests you, please fill out the application. Those who are selected will be informed well ahead of the Symposium for planning your day on Wednesday.
Music by Dave Birk
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