Monday, March 30, 2020
You may wonder if it’s possible to lose weight while not giving up snacks.
If you choose healthy, whole-food options with a lot of protein and nutrients, snacks can be integral to weight loss. Some can even help keep you full throughout the day and limit your cravings for unhealthy foods.
Here are 10 healthy, weight-loss-friendly snacks to add to your diet.
1. Hard-boiled egg
Eggs are incredibly filling and one of the best snacks for taming a belly growl. They are a fantastic source of protein and an array of vitamins and minerals. Eggs can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for when hunger strikes.
2. Crudités and Dip
Make a simple, protein-rich dip by combining Greek yoghurt with a sprinkling of cumin, chilli powder and a squeeze of lime. Have a tub of ready chopped carrots, cucumber and peppers in the fridge and you're good to go.
3. Smoothie
Smoothies provide a great option for when you're really hungry, as the volume fills up the stomach giving that sense of fullness. Adding a protein component such as ground flaxseed or unsweetened yoghurt will ensure that you remain satisfied until your next meal.
4. Edamame Beans
A good source of satiating protein, these little beans are a great snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. To prepare, boil for about five minutes, and serve with chilli flakes or ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice for some added zing. Bags of edamame beans can be found in the frozen section of the supermarket.
5. Italian Popcorn
Popcorn is a slow energy-release wholegrain high in fibre and low in calories, making it a weight-loss friendly alternative to crisps that's simple to prepare at home. Put in a snap-lock sandwich bag and flavour with some dried Italian herbs and a little parmesan for a pizza-like flavour.
6. Banana and Peanut Butter
Cut a small banana in half lengthwise, spread with half a tablespoon of peanut butter, and top with the other half of banana. This will satisfy a sweet tooth, whilst delivering both fibre and protein, and makes a great post-exercise snack.
7. Soup
A chunky soup loaded with vegetables and beans or legumes will tick off both nourishment and satiety, and is a great way of getting one or two of your five-a-day. Skip the side of bread when having soup as a snack.
8. Handful of Raw Nuts
Rich in protein, fibre and fat, the combination of which provides your body with sustained energy, while keeping your appetite satisfied. A portion of nuts is around 30g (two tablespoons). Choose the unsalted variety, and avoid having the whole bag open on the desk as this can easily lead to mindless eating.
9. Spicy Chickpeas
Prepare some spicy roasted chickpeas and pop in a sandwich bag for a great on-the-go snack. Chickpeas are high in dietary fibre, which is important for weight loss as it is digested slowly by the body helping to keep you fuller for longer. To prepare, toss chickpeas with olive oil, and season to taste with salt, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until browned and crunchy.
10. Apple Crunch
Slice an apple into wedges and thinly spread some protein-rich nut butter on top (peanut or almond butter are both delicious). Sprinkle with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added hunger-busting fibre.