When people attempt to craft a healthy lifestyle for weight loss — one that includes daily exercise and smart choices at mealtime — it can be easy to overlook the importance of planning for healthy snacks, too. Even if you're working out regularly and eating a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner, your ability to lose weight may struggle due to unhealthy snacks. It's too easy to reach for a candy bar or a bag of chips when you're hungry between meals, so make sure that the time you spend meal planning each week also focuses on snacktime. Here are some things to think about.
Include Protein In Each Snack
Protein has many benefits for your body, including the ability to balance your blood sugar — especially when you mix the protein with fiber. When your blood sugar is stable, you won't experience sugar or carbohydrate cravings that will have you reaching for something unhealthy. There are many types of protein to include in your snacks throughout the day. Suitable examples include nuts and seeds, cheese, unsweetened yogurt, beef jerky and more. Some things, such as nuts and seeds, don't require refrigeration, which makes them an ideal snack to keep in your desk at work. Fruits and vegetables will often provide you with a hefty dose of fiber to complement the protein in the snack. Apples, oranges, carrot sticks and broccoli pieces are ideal.
Drink Water While You Snack
It's always a good idea to keep hydrated throughout the day. In addition to helping your body in many ways, water also contributes to a feeling of fullness. This can often help you avoid overeating or snacking excessively. Try to have a glass of water each time that you snack. Some people even use the method of drinking a glass of water when they begin to feel hungry, and then only proceeding to have their snack if they still feel full after drinking the glass of water.
Give Yourself An Occasional "Cheat" Snack
One unhealthy snack won't significantly derail your ability to lose weight, so some people find success planning one unhealthy snack per week, as it gives them a treat to look forward to while they exercise and eat healthily. If you love potato chips, for example, plan to enjoy one small bag as a snack once per week. Knowing that you have an unhealthy snack on the menu can often be enough to prevent you from cheating with other foods throughout the week, as you know you'll be able to have one unhealthy thing without guilt.
For more information, contact Colorado Nutrition for Health Fitness & Performance or a similar organization.
Share14 July 2016
When I started thinking about ways to lose weight, I knew that I needed to focus on exercise. I started hitting the gym about five times a week, and the difference that it made in my life was astounding. I found myself with more energy and more stamina, and it was really invigorating. I realized that I had changed my life, and it was really incredible. I decided to start this blog completely dedicated to health and exercise to change the way other people think about movement. With the right exercise, you can enjoy a healthier, happier body that you feel more confident about.
