HEALTHY SNACKS YOU CAN EAT WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT
Snacking can help you maintain a steady, healthy weight—and many times, even lose weight. This is only possible when you pay attention to the type of foods you intake and make smart choices. Resorting to smaller meals and snacks about every three hours can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Healthy snacking ideas
A much healthier and smarter way to snack is to select foods that combine protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and not too much sugar or salt. These are the ideal types of snacks that eventually would fill you up and keep those hunger pangs in control until your next meal. Nutritionists suggest one should have snacks to about 100 to 200 calories.
Most important- snack mindfully. Savor what you’re eating and chew slowly. Don't be in a hurry to finish your meals. Give your time and attention to the added flavors and intricate textures. It usually takes 20 minutes for your brain to understand that you’re full. Have a moment to yourself and give yourself time before jumping on another snack.
“A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed a hopeless failure may turn to glorious success”
- Elbert Hubbard
Luckily, there are a plethora of food options that are both filling and low in calories.
Here are low-calorie foods that are surprisingly filling.
- Soup
A bowl of soup can be very satisfying. Moreover, some research suggests that soups may be more filling than solid foods, even if they have the same ingredients. Opt for a lighter broth soup to minimize calories and maximize fullness. Exceptionally, soups can be low in calories and slow the emptying of your stomach while reducing total calorie intake.
- Overnight Oats Bowl
Oats can be a fantastic addition to a healthy diet.
They’re low in calories and high in protein and fiber that keep you feeling full. Having a bowl of overnight oatmeal can give you all the required nutrition and keep you full till your next meal. It is also responsible for reduced hunger and calorie intake.
Another research linked oatmeal to significant appetite control compared to a bowl of ready-to-eat breakfast cereal.
- Berry Smoothie / Bowl
Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that optimize your health to its fullest.
Their high fiber content helps reduce hunger. A beautiful and delicious smoothie will surely get you drooling and will keep you full for longer hours.
- Chia seed pudding
Chia seeds are quite often given the title of superfood. These seeds indeed pack a good amount of protein and fiber into a low number of calories. Chia seeds are one of the best superfoods. From boosting metabolic rate to digestive health, it's high Omega-3 content and iron. It's an excellent addition to your diet.
Chia seeds have the property of absorbing liquid and swells in your stomach to promote feelings of fullness.
Chia seed pudding will satiate all your dessert cravings in a single bowl. We highly suggest this healthy snack incorporate into your dessert.
- Watermelons
Watermelons have high water content to keep you hydrated while providing minimal calories. A must-try drink with watermelon is watermelon slushies. A healthy and thirst-quenching drink. This is the most refreshing drink you and your kids will have all summer.
- Trail Mix
For a portable & on-the-go healthy snack, have a bowl of trail mix with high-fiber cereal, nuts, and dried fruit. The utmost and most nourishing trail mix must include best-handpicked nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios & peanuts paired with dehydrated cranberries, black raisins, dried apricots & dried dates. Also, power-packed with various seeds like melon seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds & flaxseeds that make it the best energy snack for kids and adults.
- Fruits
Fresh fruit is always a healthy and sublime snack. Have a beautiful platter of fresh fruits and top it off with roasted seeds or coconut flakes. Or, take a cup of berries with melted chocolate.
Lastly, nobody is perfect. If you want to have that slice of cake, have it. Healthy snacking is a habit you’ll develop slowly but surely. So, it's okay to indulge yourself with a small sliver of cake. But refrain from making it a habit!