Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss
We generally associate snacking with weight gain.
And that might be true if you choose the many conventional snacks in the market. They are filled with sugar and unhealthy fats that will help pack on the pounds. They are depleted of fiber, protein and the healthy fats that get you out of fat storing mode, ease inflammation and support healthy digestion.
But this doesn’t mean snacking is unhealthy. It just means that you need to choose better options. The right snacks help suppress cravings, protect you against binging later and help you melt fat. So here are some of my favorite options for healthy snacking.
[Read: Can Weight Loss Diets Impair My Metabolism?]
Choose The Right Snack
Nuts
They are filled with healthy fats that help suppress hunger. Choose either raw or sprouted nuts. Those roasted in oil add unhealthy fats that create inflammation and lead to weight gain. A handful of nuts (¼ cup at most) should make a good snack. Just don’t eat too many or you may end up with an upset stomach.
No-mayo Tuna On Whole Grain Crackers
Tuna is a great source of protein. But instead of making tuna artery clogging by adding mayonnaise, try a no-mayo tuna variety. Then, add some whole grain crackers for a healthier source of fiber. Or, for extra credit, skip the crackers and spoon the salad onto celery stalks.
Edamame
Want a snack that you can just throw into a bag and go? Then, edamame is your friend. You can eat them right out of the pod. Or you put them in a microwave safe bowl with some water and steam them for about four minutes. They are full of the fiber and protein that make them a perfect fat melting snack.
Healthy Yogurt Parfait
Many pre-made yogurt cups are filled with fattening sugar. So make your own instead.
In a long cup,
- add 1/2 cup plain yogurt,
- 1/4 cup berries,
- 1/8 cup mixture of coconut flakes, hemp seeds, and almond slivers.
- Then, add a second layer of the same on top.
Voila! A healthy yogurt parfait!
Hummus With Veggies
- Take two cups garbanzo beans,
- the juice from one lemon,
- 2 tablespoons olive oil,
- 2 ½ tablespoons tahini,
- ½ garlic clove,
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin,
- a pinch of red pepper,
- salt & pepper and blend.
Hummus is packed with fiber for digestion and is also a source of vegetable protein.
[Read: Healthy Snack Recipes For Your Sweet Cravings]
Vegetable Tostada
Add black beans, corn, avocado, lettuce, scallions and a teaspoon of salsa to a corn tortilla. Apart from being great to the taste buds, this snack can also be a lot of fun to make. It is filled with healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Hard Boiled Egg
One of the best ways to get over fat promoting sugar cravings is to eat good quality protein. Eggs are a great source of protein and are filled with good quality fats. Also, a hard boiled egg is another snack that you can just grab on the go.
An Apple With A Piece Of Cheese
The apple gives you some sweetness with some fiber. The cheese adds some protein. It also slows down the rate at which the snack is digested meaning you’ll feel fuller than when eating an apple alone.
Strawberries Dipped In Greek Yogurt
It is great that something so decadent-seeming can be so healthy. Take fresh strawberries and dip them into plain greek yogurt. And if plain yogurt isn’t sweet enough for you, add a little whole leaf stevia to the mix.
Homemade Acai Bowl
Don’t run to a candy bar when you’re craving something sweet! Instead, make this treat. Combine acai, non-dairy milk, and berries in a blender. Pour into a bowl and top with sliced banana, coconut flakes, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Celery With Almond Butter And Raisins
Celery is the quintessential diet snack, but it isn’t very filling. But, when you add almond butter, you’ve slowed down your rate of digestion which will keep you fuller for longer. And for just a touch of sweetness, add a few raisins on top.
Frozen Grapes
The best treats are the ones that you enjoy while still being nutritious. A frozen grape is a perfect example. Wash and dry your grapes. Then line them onto a baking sheet, cover, and freeze. Remove them and consume immediately or save leftovers in an airtight freezer safe container.
Lettuce Wraps
Start with a large lettuce leaf. Add a dab of mustard, a slice of turkey or chicken and one long thin slice of avocado. Wrap the lettuce leaf and secure with a toothpick. This can be satisfying, filling and can really help hold you over until the next meal.
What’s your favorite snack to melt fat?
