The Secret to Slim Snacking
Which snack foods can help you stay on the weight-loss straight and narrow? We’ve got the answers here.
Staying on Track at 3 pm
It’s 3 p.m. and lunch is a distant memory. Here comes the stomach rumbling — and here’s when you usually give in and blow your PointsPlus® Target for the day. Get those visions of vending machines out of your head! To cure what ails you, you need a filling snack that won’t sabotage the rest of the week’s hard work. But what?
Even though your friend swears by a late-afternoon snack of graham crackers spread with jelly, that doesn’t mean that they’ll do it for you. In fact, all that sugar may just make you hungrier. So before you reach for a snack, look over our snacking personalities below. Pinpoint the type of food you’re truly craving, and you won’t end up tasting everything in your kitchen cabinets.
What’s Your Snacking Profile?
I want A LOT. If you’re a volume eater, think small and low-calorie: Try cheese-flavored crackers (such as Pepperidge Farm Goldfish), light popcorn, flavored rice cakes, or baby carrots and black bean dip.
I need some quick energy. High-sugar foods are your best bet. Go for a small serving of juice, dried fruit, jelly beans, licorice, or even chocolate.
I need a longer-lasting snack. You can gobble down a candy bar in seconds, but ice pops, hard candies, or frozen grapes take longer to eat. As an alternative, a piping hot cappuccino or steaming mug of hot chocolate can also do the trick.
What will hold me over for hours? Hard candy may take a while to eat, but its high-sugar dose can be used up in a flash. High-fiber snacks, on the other hand, usually contain some protein and fat and can stave off hunger for the long haul. Great options include whole-grain crackers and light cheese, peanut butter on apple slices, or a small handful of nuts and dried fruit.
Just keep me busy. When boredom kicks in and a non-food activity like a walk just won’t cut it (try it, first!), opt for snacks that take some time to prepare: peanuts in the shell; fruit you have to peel (like pineapple); or a sundae made with yogurt, chopped fruit, and cereal. By the time you’re done prepping and eating them, you’ll be far from bored.
Need More Ideas?
Salty Snacks GeniSoy Soy Crisps: “Great potato chip alternative” Laughing Cow Cheese and fat-free crackers: “Creamy and crunchy.” Mozzarella cheese rolled in a corn tortilla: “Great mini meal. Pan ‘fry’ it and dip into salsa.”
Baked Doritos: “Taste like the real deal.” Celery and fat-free or low-fat onion dip: “Celery is the perfect dipping alternative to chips.”
Sweet Snacks
Diet hot chocolate (20 calories or less): “A sweet freebie”
Sugar-free Jell-O with lite Cool Whip: “Can’t tell the difference from the real thing.”
Fresh strawberries topped with fat-free Cool Whip: “Healthy with a sweet twist”
Conclusion
Snacking smarter is a matter of understanding your snacking personality and craving the right foods. Whether you’re a volume eater, need quick energy, or crave something to hold you over for hours, there are healthy snack options available. Remember, snacking can be a key part of your weight-loss plan, but it’s essential to keep it in check to avoid sabotaging your progress.
FAQs
Q: Can I still enjoy snacks and lose weight? A: Yes, snacking can be a part of your weight-loss plan as long as you’re making smart choices about the types and portion sizes of your snacks.
Q: What are some healthy snacking options? A: Options include vegetables and fruits, whole-grain crackers and cheese, nuts and seeds, hard-boiled eggs, and low-calorie granola.
Q: Can I snack before bed? A: No, it’s generally best to avoid snacking within a few hours of bedtime to avoid discomfort and poor sleep. Instead, choose a snack that’s both healthy and satisfying earlier in the day.
Q: Are all healthy snacks low in calories? A: No, while some healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories, others like nuts and seeds are higher in calories. Just be sure to portion them correctly and enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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