Many people think that snacking will make them gain weight quickly, but in fact, not all snacks are “fattening”. If you choose wisely, some popular snacks can even help you lose weight, help control your cravings and maintain energy throughout the day.
Here are 6 snacks that are easy to find, nutritious and help you lose weight:
1. Nuts
Nuts are often misunderstood because they are high in fat, but they are actually rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats, which help you feel full longer and limit hunger between meals. Consuming more nuts is associated with fat loss and weight loss.
Preferred nuts include macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts and almonds, which are both delicious and nutritious, making them suitable for use as weight loss snacks.
2. Dried Fruit
Carrying healthy food on the go is easier with dried fruit. When hunger strikes between meals, reach for dried fruit like raisins, prunes, cherries or dates for a delicious and convenient snack option.
Dried fruit is a convenient and nutritious choice when you want to snack but still control your weight. Raisins, prunes, cherries or dates provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, helping to control cravings. When using, choose the type without added sugar and can be combined with nuts or cottage cheese to prolong the feeling of fullness.
3. Potato chips
Potato chips are often considered “fattening”, but if combined intelligently, this dish can still support weight loss. You can eat potato chips with salsa or Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice, salt and pepper, which both enhances the flavor and adds fiber and protein. Additionally, cauliflower or bean chips are a healthier option that can help control hunger.
To increase the nutritional value of your potato chip snack, always pair it with a side dish that is both delicious and nutritious. You can pair your chips with salsa or Greek yogurt seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Salsa adds flavor and provides valuable nutrients like fiber, lycopene, quercetin, and capsaicin, which can help reduce inflammation and aid in weight loss. Meanwhile, Greek yogurt adds protein, which can help control your appetite better.
Eating potato chips as a snack while trying to lose weight can help satisfy your cravings for crunchy, salty foods. Fiber is a nutrient known to aid in weight loss, and you will find chips higher in fiber in the snack bar, depending on how they are prepared. For a healthier option, choose cauliflower or bean chips.
4. Crackers
Cutting carbs is sometimes touted as the ultimate weight loss tip, and while it may work for some people, many people feel deprived when they can enjoy their favorite snacks, including crackers. Despite what low-carb dieters may say, eating carbs can help you lose weight.
Crackers can also be a weight loss-supportive snack if combined wisely. Eating crackers with tuna, hummus, nut butter, or an apple can help increase satiety with added protein and fiber, while also stabilizing blood sugar and controlling hunger between meals.
5. Bananas
Bananas are a great source of fiber and potassium, making them an easy and affordable snack. Green bananas in particular contain resistant starch, which is good for gut health and can help with long-term weight management. When combined with almonds and yogurt, this dish provides a full range of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates, helping to stabilize blood sugar and maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time. An interesting dish is banana yogurt ice cream, which is both delicious and nutritious.
6. Cheese
If you are craving salty snacks, cheese is a suitable choice. Cheese is a snack rich in protein, digested slowly, so it makes you feel full for a long time, while providing important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamin B12. For effective snacking, you can combine cheese with fresh vegetables, hummus and a few whole grain crackers, both satisfying your taste and maintaining a nutritional balance.
In short, snacking does not necessarily make you gain weight if you know how to choose wisely. The six popular snacks mentioned above can all become great assistants in your weight loss journey, helping to control hunger, provide energy and maintain nutritional balance. By incorporating them properly into your daily diet, you can still enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about gaining weight.
