It is a common misconception that snacking is off limits when you are trying to lose weight. When actually it is the complete opposite. Healthy snacking has played an important role in keeping me energized and focused in between meals. Without it, I would feel hungry and deprived during the day and would start reaching for anything I could find. Which would usually be a high calorie and fattening vending machine snack.
The key to keeping calories under control is to have snacks planned out and part of your weekly menu plan. That way, you know what you are eating, it is prepared ahead of time and you will reduce the temptation to eat a high empty calorie snack. Getting hungry and reaching for any type of food without a plan is when you will find extra calories sneaking into your diet. Try to focus on high fiber, high protein, and lower calorie snacks because those will keep you full longer.
Every Wednesday at 8:00pm Eastern Time on the Skinny Mom’s Kitchen facebook page is Weight Loss Tips Wednesday. This past week the topic we talk about was healthy snack ideas. Here is a list of healthy snacks that myself along with Skinny Mom’s Kitchen community members munch on during the day.
- Cheese sticks. 80 calories each
- 2 tablespoons of hummus and 1 serving of pretzels. 160 calories
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter. 100 calories
- 1 ounce cheese and 6 triscuits. 230 calories
- ¼ cup almonds. 160 calories
- Single serving bag of microwave popcorn 100 calories
- Chobani yogurt. 140 – 160 calories depending on flavor
- ½ lite English muffin with ½ cup cottage cheese. 190 calories
- Apple with 1 tablespoon peanut butter. 172 calories
- Luna Bars
(my favorite is the chocolate peppermint stick). 180 calories
With a little planning, healthy snacking can and should play an important role in your weight loss goals. When you feel satisfied and nourished you will be less likely to overeat on empty calorie foods.
What are some of your favorite healthy snack ideas?
For the first time in my life I am on a diet. I follow it three days a week. The other four I try to eat sensible. Thanks for these snack tips. Baby carrots get so boring after a while.
Thanks for your visit to the Northwoods on my SITS Day.
Hanneke
Nice ideas for snacking! I really try hard to snack on freah fruits and veggies; luckily my 2 yr. old loves produce. She is the reason why I don’t defer to carbs at snack time…I want to set good examples for her…monkey see, monkey do!
Great ideas. I like roasted chickpeas. They keep well for a few days in the fridge.
Roasted chic peas sound awesome. I never had those before. Do you just eat them as a snack?
YUM! I especially love the almonds (or walnuts and cashews) and the Greek yogurt. They make great protein-packed snacks. I buy Yocrunch (www.yocrunch.com for nutritional value and flavors, if you’re interested!) because it’s less expensive. Still so good! Love hummus as well; the red pepper garlic kind is amazing!