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Protein snacks can improve appetite control, diet in teens

Researchers found that teenagers who either had a healthier snack or no snack at all benefited greatly from skipping a snack that is not high in fat.

By Stephen Feller
Some study participants ate a chocolate-peanut-caramel-flavored pudding snack formulated with soy protein. The snack contained 26 grams protein, 6 grams fat and 27 grams carbohydrate. Photo: University of Missouri
Some study participants ate a chocolate-peanut-caramel-flavored pudding snack formulated with soy protein. The snack contained 26 grams protein, 6 grams fat and 27 grams carbohydrate. Photo: University of Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo., May 21 (UPI) -- A small study by the University of Missouri suggests that high protein snacks improved the diet of teenagers, in addition to decreasing their appetites and improving their attitudes.

Researchers conducted a three-day study with 31 teenagers to find the different effects of high protein snacks, high fat snacks, or no snacks all. They found that the high protein snack and no snack were the ideal options, as the extra protein reduced confusion and bewilderment and skipping a snack reduced tension and anxiety.

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"Standard meals tend to go to the wayside for kids this age -- particularly from mid-afternoon to late evening -- and many of the convenient 'grab-and-go' snacks are high in fat and sugar," said Heather Leidy, an assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at MU, in a press release. "When kids eat high-protein snacks in the afternoon, they are less likely to eat unhealthy snacks later in the day, which is particularly important for kids who want to prevent unhealthy weight gain."

The study is published in The Journal of Nutrition.

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