You might be surprised to find that there are good snacks for weight loss. Your mother was right. Snacking does spoil your appetite and eating healthy snacks that are low in calories may be just what the diet doctor ordered. Snacking is a perfect tool for weight loss, when you eat healthy snacks, because it fills you up without adding extra calories, so you’ll eat less at the next meal. The ideal snack is lower in calories and higher in nutrients. Here are some of my favorites that you’ll easily find in Oceanside.
Are you hungry for a little sweetness.
That low in the mid afternoon can wipe you out. It’s when you’re desperate for a little sugar and tempted to empty the snack machine, with that Payday or Snickers bar at the top of your list. Be prepared for those times, because you know it’s going to happen. Have a healthy snack ready chilling in the office refrigerator of fresh sweet grapes. On hot summer days, toss a handful in the freezer in the morning for a delicious treat that’s sure to end those sugar cravings, wake up your mouth and give you the energy to zip through the rest of the day.
Grab a handful of almonds.
Almonds have a lot of nutrition and best of all, they’re filling. One small handful contains approximately 161 calories and have 3.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, one third of your RDA for vitamin E and manganese, 20 percent of your RDA for magnesium, plus copper, vitamin B2 and phosphorus. The magnesium helps control blood sugar so you don’t have those highs and ravenous lows.
Enjoy some fresh veggies and hummus.
Fresh cut up veggies contain almost no calories and you probably already know the benefits of fiber and nutrients they contain. Pair them with the high protein hummus that only contains 166 calories for a 3.5 ounce container and you have a dynamite snack that will keep you satisfied for hours. Hummus contains manganese, copper, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, thiamine, potassium and B6. It has substantial fiber and 7.9 grams of protein. It helps fight inflammation, is a good prebiotic and helps control blood sugar. It also is known to help promote weight loss.
- Are you constantly on the go, not at a desk? Keep a small baggy of dried fruit and mixed nuts to snack as you go. It boosts energy, plus provides nutrients.
- Everyone thinks of grapefruit as a diet food, for good reason. Studies show it actually helps weight loss when eaten with every meal. You can keep whole grapefruit ready to slice and eat or section them for a quick treat that’s not as messy.
- Roasted chickpeas make a great snack. They’re the main ingredient for hummus, so you know they’re packed with fiber, protein and loads of nutrients.
- Grab some plain yogurt with live active cultures and add some berries for a filling snack that won’t fill you out.