Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, snacking has achieved an almost mythical status. Should you or shouldn’t you? What exactly should you have and when? How many snacks are too many snacks? And why does my head now hurt?

Okay, let’s get back to basics. Cutting down calories is all well and good, but you have to eat something in between meals. And research has quite consistently shown that having a number of smaller meals and snacks is better for you because it keeps your blood sugar levels stable and your metabolism running consistently. This prevents your body entering starvation mode and converting everything you eat into fat to prepare for the long, cold winter it thinks you are facing. But what snacks are best to eat to lose weight while still leaving you feeling satisfied?

Here are a few to satisfy your tastebuds without fattening up your waistline:

1. Carrot Sticks and Hummus.

Carrots are one of the tastiest vegetables around, and they really do make for a yummy snack. They are one of the naturally sweetest, too, and while they contain 6g of sugar per carrot, these natural sugars are nothing compared to artificial and refined sugars we consume daily. Each carrot contains only 52 calories, making a chopped carrot a tasty and light snack. Hummus is a Middle-Eastern dip made primarily out of chickpeas, which are high in protein and fiber and contain an abundance of nutrients and minerals. They can also help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Chop up a carrot and enjoy this delicious dip at 3pm for a healthy pick-me-up!

2. Natural Yoghurt, Blueberries & Strawberries.

One of my favorite low-calorie snacks is one of the easiest to make, too! Natural yoghurt is a great healthy alternative for dairy lovers, as it is low in fat and contains probiotic bacteria which aid in digestion. Yoghurt is rich in protein and calcium, which are beneficial for muscle repair and aiding in weight loss.

Strawberries are known for their high Vitamin C content, which boosts the immune system, as well as being a rich source of other antioxidants and minerals including Vitamin A & E, potassium, manganese and iron. Blueberries, too, are rich in antioxidants (just look at their beautiful deep colour!), have been linked to the prevention of cancer and are known as a ‘Super Food’ as they are said to attribute to the longevity of numerous native cultures in the northern hemisphere.

Have a dollop or two of natural yoghurt with a sprinkling of these bountiful berries on top and you will have yourself a delicious and healthy snack in under a minute!

3. Baby Spinach, Avocado and Red Bell Pepper Salad.

Sometimes a good salad is the only thing that will hit the spot. You may not believe me just yet, but stay with me! This salad is simple and packed with nutrients. Baby spinach, for starters, contains only 23 calories per 100g (yes, you read that correctly!) and is incredibly rich in antioxidants including Vitamins A, B2 and B6, calcium, folate and iron. Spinach is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (as is avocado) which are linked to the prevention of heart disease and cancer as well as containing many other beneficial properties.

Avocado has also been shown to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol and boost ‘good’ cholesterol, and is packed with Vitamin C and E which improve immunity and skin tone respectively. Plus it tastes great! Finally, red bell peppers are also a rich source of Vitamin C and A and are packed with antioxidants. Simply chop up one, add to a bowl of spinach leaves and half an avocado (and perhaps drizzle with lemon juice), and you have yourself a tasty afternoon snack that your body will love you for.

If you liked these 3 healthy snacks for weight loss, don’t forget to check out my free eBook 7 Steps to Slim, which shows women that losing weight and feeling great does not have to be hard; instead, it can be fun, simple and tasty. Click here to get your free copy and achieve the body you deserve today! 

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Tags: diet, healthy snacks, natural weight loss, weight loss