Snack Attack Newsletter Articles Here are several Snack Attack newsletter insert suggestions. Use them in employee newsletters or in any way that works best for you. Snack Attack Article 1: THINK about more or less! A recent Food and Information Council survey found that snacks are an important part of most Americans’ day, with nearly all Americans (93 percent) consuming at least one snack per day. The question is: Are snacks healthy or not? And the answer is: Yes, however it depends on what and how much you choose. Keep in mind that all foods fit when you choose MORE fruits and veggies, and LESS sugary and high-fat foods like high-sugar drinks, candy and chips. IFIC 2007 Food and Health Survey

Snack Attack Article 2: Snack Attack — a multi-tasking free snack zone A recent study shows that food ads on TV can cause people to eat more snacks while watching. In addition to the influence of TV ads, it isn’t hard to recognize that using a computer, talking on the phone or watching TV while eating a snack is not a healthy habit. Those distractions can result in unintended super-sized snacking. Start a Snack Attack by thinking about your snack habits at work and at home. Set goals to reduce distractions and begin to enjoy healthy snacks. Health Psychology July 2009

Snack Attack Article 3: Out of the bag snacking Out-of-the-bag snacking can pull the plug on good will-power. In spite of good intentions, eating out of the bag just makes it hard to control the amount you eat. As a part of a good snack attack plan, check your favorite snack labels for the number of servings and size. Measure a serving; place it on a plate, in a bowl, or in a small sized food storage bag (for on-the-go); and use that as your healthy serving size guide.

Try these out-of-the-bag snack ideas Two frozen mini-waffles with 1 Tbsp. peanut butter spread One whole wheat flour tortilla with one ounce of low-fat cheese and veggie salsa One cup chopped peaches (or other fruit) sprinkled with crushed graham crackers

and topped with a spoonful of low-fat pudding

Snack Attack Article 4: Curb Hunger! Understand the “why" of your snack attack and make a healthy choice such as fresh fruit or low-fat yogurt. I am HUNGRY! How many times a day do you say those words to yourself? Next time consider the “why.” Bored? Skipped a meal? Diet drinks or coffee instead of a meal? How about refueling the mind and body with a healthy snack? Consider an ounce of low-fat cheese and a handful of whole-grain crackers or a low-fat yogurt sprinkled with chopped fruits and nuts for a midmorning or afternoon pick-me-up. Understand the “why” and learn to attack the snack need with healthy choices! Snack Attack Article 5: Sensory Snacking Have a sensory snack attack! See, feel, taste, smell and even hear the deliciousness of crunchy raw carrots or enjoy an aromatic tangerine! Take action Have a sensory experience today with a healthy snack! Smell the aroma released from a fresh banana or sliced orange. Feel the texture as you take a bite. Taste the flavor. Enjoy the bright color of the fruit. Listen to sounds made as you bite, chew and swallow this healthy choice. ENJOY! Never knew taking time to enjoy a snack could be so great, did you? Snack Attack Article 6: 100 Calorie Snack Attack Attack the snack instead of it attacking you! A 100-calorie handful of nuts or a piece of fresh fruit can curb the appetite! Remember – don’t consume more than 100 calories of a snack at a time. Take action Have a 100-calorie moment today at work! Yes, a healthy, tasty satisfying 100-calorie snack attack break! Ideas for yummy 100-calorie healthy snack attacks include:

Two teaspoons of peanut butter on half an apple 10 almonds

Three handfuls of unbuttered popcorn (season with a dash of parmesan cheese or herbs)

Half a string cheese and four whole-grain crackers Look for 100-calorie packs of your favorite snacks at the grocery store.

Start a bulletin board posting of office favorite 100-calorie snack attacks! This content is provided for informational purposes only. Any reference to other organizations or companies, including their Internet sites, is not an endorsement or warranty of the services, information or products provided by them.

CIGNA® is a national sponsor of Healthy Kids Challenge, an unaffiliated non-profit organization.

“CIGNA” and the “Tree of Life” logo are registered service marks of CIGNA Intellectual Property, Inc., licensed for use by CIGNA Corporation and its operating subsidiaries. All products and services are provided exclusively by such operating subsidiaries, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and CIGNA Health and Life Insurance Company, and not by CIGNA Corporation.

838945 09/10 © 2010 CIGNA. Some content provided under license.