Snacking refers to the habit of eating some food between your meals. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the concept of snacking in reference to weight loss. Some believe that snacking leads to weight gain, while there is also evidence that it can help in weight loss. Research shows that when you use snacking to increase your meal frequency, it can help you manage your hunger and also improves your blood sugar. But, you should bear in mind that the kind of snack you eat also makes a difference. It is better to focus on nutrient-rich foods if your goal is to lose weight.
If you are wondering what to snack on, here are some healthy options that you can explore.
Mixed nuts
One of the best nutritious snacks that you can eat are nuts because they can provide you the perfect balance of fiber, protein and healthy fats. Nuts are also highly filling and they can provide you with a number of health benefits. When you eat nuts in moderation, you can actually shed weight. But, you should be careful because nuts are also high in calories. It is best to take about ¼ cup, or 1 ounce of nuts.
Greek yogurt and mixed berries
The high protein content of Greek yogurt makes it an excellent snack and when you add mixed berries, then you are also getting a horde of antioxidants. You can get a variety of nutrients when you add a bunch of differently colored berries to Greek yogurt. Plus, you can also enjoy a mix of their tart and sweet flavors.
Cottage cheese and fruit
Perhaps the best thing about cottage cheese is that it comprises of a lot of filling protein. Just one cup of cottage cheese has about 25 grams of protein in it. When you pair it with fruit, then you are combining the fat and protein content in the cheese with the fiber in the fruit. This leads to a creamy, sweet and filling snack. You can use tropical fruits with cottage cheese, such as watermelon, papaya, or pineapple.
Kale chips
Comprising of antioxidants, minerals and fiber, kale is a very healthy snack and it also has a low level of oxalic acid. This is an anti-nutrient that makes calcium absorption difficult. When you pair kale with olive oil, you will get crispy and delicious chips and this makes them a filling and balanced snack.
Cucumber slices with hummus
The crunchy texture and fresh flavor that cucumbers offer can pair very well with hummus’ rich creaminess. Since hummus is made of olive oil, chickpeas, garlic and tahini, it can provide a combination of plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats and fiber.
Dark chocolates and almonds
Another excellent combination for a snack are dark chocolate and almonds. The former comprises of antioxidants, and the latter are a source of healthy fats. You can eat a square of dark chocolate, or take a few spoons of dark chocolate chips with some nuts.
