Practically speaking, snacking isn’t necessary for everybody. But it can help you manage your calories, feel energetic, and boost your metabolism – if you’re smart about it.

Fortunately, you don't have to eat a lot to quell hunger pangs – a small snack can tide you over and make you feel better without eating too much. Here are smart snacking tips from the American Diabetes Association.

At Precor we believe that “tomorrow will be even better because of [our] actions today”, so we’ve partnered with the American Diabetes Association to bring you some advice for diabetes prevention and awareness throughout the month of November.

Eat filling foods. Look for a mix of protein and carbohydrates with plenty of fiber, which can make you feel full. These jicama sticks are one idea. Aside from preventing stomach growling, snacking to fight hunger can help you avoid overeating, too. If you're hungry but not starving before a meal, you're much less likely to overindulge. 

Not a fan of snacking but fighting late-afternoon hunger? Eat more filling meals. Add chicken (protein) and some whole grains such as quinoa (a carb) to your lunch salad to stay satisfied until dinner.

Munch on fruits and veggies. If you're going to snack, make it worth your while nutritionally. Use snacks to make up for any food group deficiencies in your diet. Dip peppers, broccoli, and green beans into hummus if your lunch and dinners are lacking in the veggie department.

Mind your portions. When it comes to snacking, portion control is key. Without it, those light bites might end up having as many calories as your meals. Shoot for between 100 and 150 calories per snack. Enjoy one of these fun popcorn snacks for just 120 calories and 4 grams fiber per big 3-cup serving.

Avoid nonstop grazing.  Consider this: Eating six small snacks per day can raise your daily intake by 600 to 900 calories. Stick with no more than a couple of snacks a day.

To prevent eating too frequently, consider your motives before you grab a snack: Are you really hungry, or are you bored? And sometimes, you’re just thirsty. Drink water before you reach for something to munch.

Plan ahead. If easy-to-find snacks are too hard to resist, make them less readily available. Prevent mindless snacking by taking breaks elsewhere (bonus: go for a walk and burn some calories) or preparing healthy eats ahead of time.