ID-100158746It may seem to make sense that if you want to lose weight you should stop snacking but this can actually have an adverse effect on your waistline. Studies show that people who avoid eating between meals can end up consuming more calories overall. This may be because when you feel famished your blood sugar is low and your defenses are down, so you end up making poor eating choices. Adding healthy snacks to your diet regimen can actually help you lose more weight than if you don’t snack.

POWERFUL WEIGHT LOSS TIP
Eat healthy snacks between meals when you are hungry.

Check out these sensible tips for healthy snacking.

Don’t Eat If You Are Not Hungry. Healthful snacking helps to keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day. However, if you are not feeling hungry, don’t eat. The calories eaten when you are not hungry do not help you eat less at your next meal.

Limit Processed Foods. There are some exceptions but generally speaking, foods that are sold as snacks in those cute little packages and bags are often high in sodium, sugar and saturated fat, and low in fiber. Stay away from them in vending machines and don’t buy them in bulk at the grocery store.

Make Your Own Snacks. Choose snacks that are based on whole grains, vegetables and fruits, with a little low fat dairy and lean protein. A handful of homemade trail mix made with dried fruit and unsalted nuts, a little nut butter spread on a rice cake, a low fat cheese stick and a piece of fruit, or veggies and hummus make easy, filling, and healthy options.

Always keep healthy snacks on hand, in the office, in your car, or in your bag to make sure that you have an intelligent option ready when hunger strikes so you don’t blow your diet plan. Check out this recipe for an on-the-go snack you can make at home.

Granola Bites (makes 12 or 24)
1/2 cup peanut butter or other nut butter
2 bananas, mashed
1/2 cup whole nuts (choose your favorite)
1 1/2 cup total of dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, apricots, raisins, coconut, etc.)
1 cup rolled oats
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)
Pinch cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor, coarsely chop nuts and dried fruits. Mix nut butter and bananas until a paste forms. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix. Spoon into lightly greased muffin cups and bake for 15 minutes. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts: 1 granola bite (12 in recipe) = 190 calories, 8.4g fat, 26.7g carbohydrates, 5.4 g protein, 3.1g fiber, 52 mg sodium

Now I’d love to hear from you.

What’s your favorite on-the-go snack? Recipes welcome.

Please share in the comment section below. Your ideas could be very helpful to other readers.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a nutritionist in New Jersey, contact me @ 732-494-1149 or go to www.NJnutritionist.com for more information.

Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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