Are your snacking habits promoting or detracting from a healthy diet?
This is a question that many of us may have. Snacking, on the other hand, can be a total game changer if you’re trying to lose weight, especially if done mindfully. Trying to lose weight does not require a person to forego all snacks. Certain snack foods, such as almonds and hummus, can help a person lose weight.
Snacks high in fibre and protein will keep you full and help you control your portion sizes, which will support healthy weight loss.
The good news is that there are a plethora of healthy snacks that will satisfy your hunger, curb cravings, and aid in weight loss—all while tasting delicious. Whether you’re looking for something crunchy or savoury, we’ve compiled a list of the healthiest snacks to add to your diet.
Thumb rules for healthy snacks
- Nutrient-dense, which means they have a good balance of vitamins and minerals.
- Portion control, such as a single apple or orange
- Balanced, which means it should have protein and a complex carbohydrate to keep you full. A healthy fat can also be a good addition, but it isn’t required for a balanced snack.
- Approximately 150-250 calories
Healthy, weight-loss-friendly snacks
Mixed Nuts
- Nuts are a great nutritious snack because they have the right balance of healthy fats, protein, and fibre.
- They’re also very filling and have numerous health benefits. According to research, eating nuts in moderation may help you lose weight despite their higher calorie and fat content.
- Nuts to choose from include walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and pistachios.
- They’re ideal for on-the-go snacking because they don’t need to be refrigerated.
Grapefruit
- To reap the health benefits of this ruby fruit, you do not need to go on a grapefruit diet.
- A whole grapefruit contains approximately 100 calories and 4 grammes of fibre.
- Not to mention that it meets all of a woman’s vitamin C requirements for the day. This tart citrus fruit contains a lot of nutrition.
Popcorn
- Popcorn is a great snack for weight loss because it is low in calories and high in fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer.
- A 1-ounce serving (roughly 3 cups) of air-popped popcorn contains 4 grammes of fibre, nearly 4 grammes of protein, and 110 calories.
- This combination results in a snack that lasts.
Dark chocolate and almonds
- Dark chocolate and almonds make an excellent pairing. The rich chocolate flavour combined with the crunchy nuts is a potent flavour and health combination.
- Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, and almonds are high in healthy fats.
- The two make an excellent combination for a heart-healthy, filling, and portable snack.
Chickpeas
- Chickpeas have a meaty texture and a nutty flavour, as well as a lot of fibre and a little protein, making them ideal for weight loss.
- Try roasting them for a crunchy snack that is easy to pack.
- 1/2 cup chickpeas contains approximately 100 calories, 5 grammes of protein, and 5 grammes of fibre.
Chia pudding
- The small-but-mighty seeds are not only high in protein and fibre, but they are also beneficial for weight loss.
- They can hold up to ten times their weight in water, allowing them to expand in your stomach and keep you full.
- Make a sweet chia pudding with unsweetened almond milk, chopped walnuts, and dried blueberries with them.
Cottage cheese
- Cottage cheese is a delicious, high-protein snack that can be eaten on its own.
- Pairing it with whole grain crackers or a piece of fruit, on the other hand, adds fibre to your snack.
- A full-fat cottage cheese is also high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid linked to fat loss.
Avocado
- Avocados, due to their high fat and fibre content, are among the most nutritious and satisfying foods.
- They are high in healthy plant-based fats and protein, which help you feel fuller for longer.
- For a savoury, filling snack under 120 calories, season half a medium avocado with salt and cayenne pepper.
Greek Yogurt
- Greek yoghurt is high in protein.
- You can also add fresh, healthy fruit for extra nutrients and fibre.
- Yogurt with fruit contains calcium, fibre, protein, and gut-friendly probiotics.
Oatmeal
- Oatmeal is a complex carb, which means it fills you up without raising your blood sugar.
- It’s also a good source of fibre, and eating more fibre helps people lose and keep weight off.
- Oats are high in fibre and protein, both of which are digested slowly.
