· By Kenneth Lin
What Is a Munch? Let’s Find Out!
Do you know what a munch is? Ask anyone, and they might shrug their shoulders or brush you off. Why? Because the word “munch” can be confusing due to its many meanings!
For some folks, a “munch” is nothing more than a lyric used in the up-and-coming rapper Ice Spice’s new breakout single. For others, it refers to eating something in a loud and enthusiastic way. For us, however, a munch is a yummy snack!
Read on as we explore all things munch to uncover what makes a good one and more.
Munch 101: What You Need To Know
Sitting down for a four-course meal is a treat, but when it comes to grub, snacks simply can’t be beaten. And seeing as the art of snacking (yes, it’s an art) comes with a ton of benefits, there’s no reason not to get your munch on.
Does Snacking Have Benefits?
Munching on snacks isn’t only the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it provides a whole lot of benefits, too. Here are some of them:
Benefit #1: Beats the Afternoon Slump
You know when you’re stuck in that midday slump? That space between lunch and dinner, fighting to keep your eyelids open? You may consider chugging another cup of java, but is caffeine really a good idea so close to bedtime?
Fortunately, treating yourself to a quick munch can help keep your energy levels up — just be careful of carb-heavy foods (think bread, pasta, etc.), which can make you especially sleepy. Instead, reach for a yummy munch with wholesome ingredients like our BOOP cookies!
Benefit #2: Fires Up the Metabolism
Keeping your body busy processing good-for-you snacks will turn it into a well-oiled machine. For the best snacks to support a speedy metabolism, stick with a munch full of energizing healthy fats. Not sure where to look? Check out our perfectly chewy cookies! Packed with nourishing ingredients like protein-rich chia seeds and fibrous oats, just one BOOP is all you’ll need to keep you going all day long.
Benefit #3: Boosts Brain Power
Whether you need a little help concentrating on a big project or want to feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed during your afternoon work meeting, grabbing a quick munch can help fuel your body — and your noggin. But don’t just take our word for it; according to experts, munching on focus-boosting snacks in between meals has been proven to increase concentration.
Even BOOP cookies can keep your energy elevated and your mind clear when you might be daydreaming of a quick cat nap — and more cookies!
Benefit #4: Combats Cravings
Did you know that snacking has the potential to support your #FitnessGoals? When you munch during the day, it prevents you from unleashing your inner hangry monster. As a result, you’re more likely to grab a wholesome snack than whatever processed junk is closest. You’re also less likely to overeat at your main meals, which cuts back on the number of calories you consume.
Pro Tip: If a rumbly in your tummy leaves you fiending for a snack, choose one high in fiber, like a BOOP cookie (or two). Dietary fiber is super filling and can help keep cravings at bay.
Benefit #5: Keeps Blood Sugar in Check
Anyone who has to pay extra close attention to their blood sugar can attest to the importance of having a munch on hand to balance out their levels if need be. This is because what we eat has a major effect on our blood and bodies. Luckily for all of us, munching on snacks throughout the day is a simple — and yummy — way to support healthy glucose levels.
That said, it’s essential to be mindful of the snacks you nosh on, as a munch with refined carbs and other processed ingredients tends to do more harm than good. To avoid sugar spikes and those pesky crashes that always follow suit, stick with wholesome snacks like our oatmeal and cranberry cookies, which are naturally sweetened with real California-grown dates.
Benefit #6: Protects the Heart
Snacking helps regulate blood glucose levels, but did you know that it can also help reduce cholesterol levels? Together, these benefits promote good heart health and might even decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So if you’re working to improve the health of your ticker, snacking on a heart-healthy munch may help.
Not sure where to find a munch that’s both heart-healthy and delicious? BOOP on over to our bakery, where you’ll find our unbelievably delicious oatmeal cranberry cookies, which are baked using good-for-your-heart ingredients like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and oats.
Benefit #7: Supports a Happy Mood
Unless you’ve got a grudge against snacks, noshing on nibbles likely puts you in a happy mood. This is because munching gives your noggin powerful nutrients to support heightened serotonin levels.
When more serotonin (aka the “happy hormone”) is swirling throughout your body, you can pretty much count on a better mood. So if you’re feeling down, flip that frown around with a drool-worthy snack!
Benefit #8: Enhances Productivity
Munching on snacks is one of the best ways to ensure your energy levels are where they need to be and that your productivity is at its best! Food fuels performance and allows the brain to stay alert. So if you’ve been lacking in the productivity department, consider it a subtle sign that you need a yummy munch in your life.
Benefit #9: Supports a Speedy Post-Workout Recovery
Snacks are not only essential to fuel your body before a quick sweat sesh in the gym but can be key for post-workout recovery, too.
After a long bike ride or a fast-paced Zumba class, the body is in a perfect state to build and repair muscles. This is where protein comes to play. Fueling your body with the important macronutrient gives you the building blocks required to build new muscle tissue.
In other words, snacking on protein is vital to workout recovery and results. So reach for a protein-rich munch after hitting the gym to give your body the nutrients it needs to support a speedy recovery.
Benefit #10: Provides Good Nutrition
The human body needs a whole lot of nourishing nutrients to work efficiently — protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Munching on wholesome snacks throughout the day gives you more opportunities to fuel your body with these essential nutrients, which, in turn, keeps your body functioning optimally.
For the best dose of nutrition, reach for well-rounded snacks like our delectable oatmeal cookies. In one serving, you’ll find everything your body needs to thrive.
Bottom Line With BOOP: What Makes a Good Munch?
Now that we’ve covered all the deliciously wonderful benefits of a good munch, you might be wondering where to find one. There are a ton of snacks you can find in stores these days,but that doesn’t mean they’re all worthy of being dubbed a wholesome munch. For the best snacks, keep these three things in mind:
- Fiber helps regulate the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep those crazy cravings in check.
- Protein is a critical part of the processes that fuel your energy and carry oxygenated blood throughout your body.
- Healthy fats help you feel full after snacking and contribute to energy production.
Although there are many nutritious snacks out there, BOOP cookies are our jam. Not only do they contain all three of these essential macronutrients, but the taste is out of this world. Plus, if you nosh on an oatmeal cookie made with dried fruit (like our cookies), you’re also getting wellness-supporting phytochemicals. What’s not to love?
Happy munching!
Sources:
Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets | PubMed
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil | Mayo Clinic.
Exploring the multifocal role of phytochemicals as immunomodulators | ScienceDirect