Snacking is often regarded as an unhealthy habit but the truth is that smart snacking can promote rapid and lasting weight loss. Getting hungry between meals-especially between lunch and dinner, is common and frequently the cause of diet failure. Healthy snacking keeps metabolism at it's maximum. Thinking ahead and planning for healthy snacks on hand will keep you on track with your goals.
Most common snacks are high in carbohydrates. While carbs are needed for immediate energy healthy snacking will combine carbohydrates with good protein sources. Protein does not satisfy hunger as quickly as a carbohydrate, but it lasts much longer and aids in regulating blood sugar levels that can encourage snacking if allowed to run wild.
Protein beverages, fruit combined with low-fat or skim cheese or Greek style yogurt and whole wheat crackers are good examples of balanced snacks.
An ideal snack is between 100-150 calories with at least 10 grams of protein.
HERE ARE SOME SNACK IDEAS-ALL UNDER 100 CALORIES:
• Nonfat latte made with nonfat milk or soy milk
• Mini pita bread with a quarter of an avocado
• Two rice cakes with one wedge light cheese
• One 100-calorie pudding cup
• 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 ounce turkey jerky with one slice rye cracker
• One individual carton light nonfat yogurt with 1 tablespoon raisins
• Toasted whole-grain waffle with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar
• One stick mozzarella cheese with one sesame breadstick
• 3/4 cup tomato soup made with nonfat milk
• Three hard-cooked egg whites mashed with a little Dijon mustard and a sliced tomato
• 15 baby carrots with 2 tablespoons fat-free ranch dressing
• 12 ounces tomato juice
• 10 soy crisps with a small peach
• One frozen fruit bar
• 1 cup whole strawberries with 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• Mini pita bread with a quarter of an avocado
• Two rice cakes with one wedge light cheese
• One 100-calorie pudding cup
• 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese with 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 ounce turkey jerky with one slice rye cracker
• One individual carton light nonfat yogurt with 1 tablespoon raisins
• Toasted whole-grain waffle with a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar
• One stick mozzarella cheese with one sesame breadstick
• 3/4 cup tomato soup made with nonfat milk
• Three hard-cooked egg whites mashed with a little Dijon mustard and a sliced tomato
• 15 baby carrots with 2 tablespoons fat-free ranch dressing
• 12 ounces tomato juice
• 10 soy crisps with a small peach
• One frozen fruit bar
• 1 cup whole strawberries with 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
Healthy snacking is the perfect way to support your weight loss goals and is well worth the little extra time and effort required to organize yourself to get maximum results.
