For awhile, 90% of school service providers—those ladies with nets on their hair and rubber gloves brandishing spatulas—were serving well-balanced fruits, vegetables and whole grain diets for children, as proposed by the USDA (US Department of Health and Home Services).

Now, the gloves have come off, and standards are being rolled back. Potatoes have reappeared as favored vegetables. Granted, what kid wouldn’t prefer munching on a french fry, than devouring  green beans with his greasy hamburger? Or, even better, pass a bag of chips.

To make matters more complicated, three square meals a day are rare occasions in many households, where “50% of all eating involves snacks that provide 25% of our caloric intake.” (Jill Weisenberger, M.S.,R.D.N Environmental Nutrition.) And, scientists tell us that more than one-fifth of snacks are “pointless.” For instance, it’s easy to snack when you are bored, and often a clump of grapes just don’t have the appeal that a dish of chocolate ice cream does.

So what can we do to avoid aimless snacking? The International Food Information Council Foundation offers a list of ways to avoid “pointless and potentially harmful eating habits.” They also recommended that, “you should start your own list.”  So, I took that suggestion:  Here is their list, combined with mine:

“Go play with your pet, and if you don’t have a pet get a hobby.”  Twiddling your thumbs might be a really good hobby, because it’s really difficult to eat while your thumbs are moving really fast.

Another suggestion was, “Chat with a friend.” It helps if you call the friend who will invite you to a backyard barbecue.

“Listen to uplifting music.” The Star Spangled Banner will give you some exercise.

“Read a book.” preferably not a cookbook such as, Eating My Way Through Mississippi.

“Practice a hobby such as photography.” Avoid taking pictures of food trucks.

“Spend time meditating.” Your mantra should be, “sardines are good for you.” And, finally;

“Think about your meals and try to be positive.” If you think hard enough you should be able to solve the question, “Where did I hide those cookies?”

I admit that eating right is important for overall health. I also know that occasional snacks probably won’t kill you, unless you choke on a kernel of popcorn. But, it’s probably not a good idea to snack your life away. That’s where your conscience can get you. However, Steven Wright does remind us that, “a conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.”

Esther Blumenfeld