Losing weight always goes with healthy eating habits. Trying to lose weight does not mean that a person has to give up all snacks. Healthy snack foods can help a person reach their weight loss goals. There are many healthy snacks for weight loss like almonds, hummus , nut and others.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) skipping food to lose weight generally backfires because it sets a person up to overeat but when a person satisfies their hunger with healthful snacks, they are much less likely to want to eat unhealthful foods or go over their calorie limit.
A healthy balanced snack can boost your energy and provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Consistent snacking helps maintain blood-sugar levels, keeping you full, and preventing your body from storing excess fat.
The following are some of the best snacks for weight loss.
- Nuts
Nuts are an ideal healthy snack for weight loss. They provide the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein and fiber.
Studies also suggest that despite their higher calorie and fat content, eating nuts in moderation may help you lose weight. However, those looking to limit their salt intake should check the label to make sure there is no added salt. Also, a person should avoid nuts cooked with flavors, since the flavors often contain sugar or salt.
There are plenty of nuts you can choose from, including walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and pistachios.
Add a handful of nuts for added protein to help keep you full.
2. Apple and peanut butter
Apples and peanut butter is a good diet-friendly snack. If reaching for an apple only doesn’t sound like much fun, why not add peanut butter? When paired together, peanut butter and apple become a nutritious snack, packed with protein, fat, and fiber.
According to the USDA, one medium apple provides 20 percent of a person’s dietary fiber.
Dipping an apple slice in peanut or another nut butter also adds protein and good fat to a person’s snack.
A person can aim for two tablespoons of peanut butter and one apple.
Whether you prefer peanut butter or almond butter, the healthy fats and protein in nut butters will help keep you full, says Kimberlain.
3 Edamame
Edamame is a legume that can be eaten as a snack. Its a healthy snacks for weight loss. As well as being a source of protein, edamame beans are rich in healthy fibers, antioxidants, and vitamin K. It is also high in potassium, iron, and magnesium. When people eat it between meals, edamame can help a person feel fuller while also providing some essential nutrients.
4. Air-popped popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack food around the world. Though some popcorns have additional sugar, fat, or salt, a person can opt for air-popped popcorn which doesn’t contain these extra ingredients. Plain popcorn is a low-calorie whole grain that offers plenty of filling fiber.
5. Hummus and vegetables
Hummus and vegetables can help a person lose weight. Hummus is a dish that people make from pureed chickpeas. Hummus offers many potential benefits. It provides a good source of protein and fiber, both of which can help a person feel fuller faster.
When people eat hummus with vegetables, they are getting the benefit of hummus as well as any additional nutrients from the vegetables.
6. A piece of fruit
Healthy snacks can just be a single piece of fruit that can be incredibly satisfying.
Nutritional fruits include banana, apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, and oranges.
Fruit contains fiber and minerals and makes a great small snack. To make it more satisfying, pair your fruit with nuts or yogurt.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a snack that you can enjoy hot or cold either at home or on the go.
Oats are a nutritious whole grain that provides a good amount of fiber and higher protein content. Oats can be served better with with fruit, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, or go for a savory version by adding eggs, avocado, and veggies like mushrooms or tomatoes.
8. Low-fat cheese
Cheese that’s low in fat is a source of protein and calcium.
Low-fat cheese products offer many nutrients and lower fat counts than regular cheese.
Some of the benefits include:
- source of protein
- source of calcium
- source of other vitamins and minerals
Low-fat cheese contains fewer calories than full-fat cheese which can help a person to lose weight.
9. Dark chocolate and almonds
Dark chocolate and almonds are a fantastic pair which can serve as a snack . The rich chocolate flavor paired with the crunchy nuts is a powerful flavor and health duo.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and almonds are rich source of healthy fats.
The two make a great combo for a heart-healthy, satisfying, and portable snack. Try a couple of teaspoons of dark chocolate chips or a square of dark chocolate with a handful of nuts.
In conclusion, eating healthysnacks can play an important role in helping a person lose and manage weight. Snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and salt are good for managing of weight. They should also seek snacks high in nutrients such as fiber and protein.
Beans, nuts, and raw vegetables and fruits are often good choices that will help a person feel fuller and provide necessary nutrients.
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