There is no need to be afraid of snacks. Snacking between meals is a healthy thing as long as you wisely choose what to eat. So, here is a list of tips that should help you understand that snacking is a healthy thing that may even help you lose some weight or keep it stable.
1. Look for the energy source in the afternoon.
Small quantity of various nuts will give you lots of energy in the afternoon. In addition, this snack has fiber needed for your heart, so choose almonds, walnuts, pecan nuts, coconuts or others.
2. Eat frequently.
During a long period of time without getting some food our body reduces sugar level in blood. That causes energy loss and may encourage us to overeat later. “The biggest cause of overeating is eating too rare” claims dietitian, K. Tallmadge.
3. It is not advisable to pick snacks “automatically” and choose only the light ones.
Choosing lean products for snacking saves only 10 calories, even a simple cookie has more.
4. It is advisable to keep healthy snacks in visible places.
Studies have shown that people are more likely to choose healthy snacks, if they are placed in visible and easily accessible places. So, just put the fruit bowl on the table, so you can grab an apple or orange as soon as you feel hungry.
5. Always take the snacks from their packages.
When you eat straight from the package, you may not even notice that you have already overeaten. It’s better to put your snacks into a bowl or plate.
6. It is advisable to eat these snacks:
• handful of nuts or dried fruits;
• teaspoon of peanut butter on a whole wheat cracker;
• popcorns, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese;
• whole wheat bread with avocado slices;
• low-fat cottage cheese with fruit and almonds;.
These dishes are full of proteins and fat providing energy and making you feel full.
7. Don’t let you feel thirsty.
The most common cause of overeating is a thirsty that misleadingly makes you think that you are hungry. Just drink more water to clearly understand when you really want to eat.
8. Don’t think that vegetables are always healthy.
Vegetable crisps can be made from vegetables, but they are still fried in fat, just like potato chips. If you want a healthier alternative to fried chips, look for the ones baked in oven.
9. Don’t give up for your mind tricks.
You may blame junk food for gaining some weight, but it’s your mind that makes you eat more by making you believe that it will help work and feel better. Your mind has a significant effect on weight variation.
10. Walk.
According to studies, 15 minute walk burns calories got from the chocolate bar.
11. Avoid salt.
Even 77 percent of salt we get is from already prepared, packaged products. It’s worth avoiding it, because a large amount of salt leads to hypertension or osteoporosis.
12. Plan what you will eat.
You don’t have to write down the exact menu, just try to eat three meals a day and between them have two or three snacks having about 150 calories.