Many people in Fort Lee, NJ, believe snacking is bad for you, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. That’s not true. It can be healthy when you choose the right food. Don’t select a bag of M&M’s, even ones containing nutritious peanuts. Search out snacks that are low in calories and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They should satisfy your hunger for longer and taste good. If you’re trying to lose weight, keep them under 200 calories.
Go natural with fresh fruit and dip.
One of the simplest treats is watermelon or cantaloupe sliced or cubed and ready to eat. You can also use fruit in other ways. Yogurt with fruit already in it isn’t the best snack. It has a lot of sugar. You can use a small amount for a dip. Mix two tablespoons of your favorite yogurt with fruit and two tablespoons of Truwhip. Truwhip is a healthier whipped topping. Use the combination as a dip for grapes, apple slices, or other fruit. It only adds 60 calories. If you slice a whole apple or banana, the total calories are less than 200.
Create a Greek yogurt parfait.
Use half a 5.3-ounce container of full-fat Greek yogurt, about two heaping tablespoons. The healthy fat and protein in the yogurt keep you full longer. Put one half in a pint mason jar and add a layer of fresh or frozen berries. Slice half of a ripe banana and layer it on the berries. Put the rest of the yogurt on top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Put on the lid and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready for a snack. It’s about 200 calories. Mix the banana and yogurt until it’s creamy before you add it. It’s even more satisfying.
Another filling snack contains avocados.
Avocados contain both fiber and healthy fat. Both keep you full longer. The fiber slows your digestion and sugar absorption, which keeps your blood sugar level. You can mash the avocado and use it in place of butter on whole grain toast, eat half of it plain topped with hot sauce, or make guacamole to dip celery and other vegetables. Make guacamole by mashing the avocado and adding chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste. You can also add garlic or garlic salt.
- Have snacks ready for when the hunger strikes. Store them in individual serving sizes. You’ll know the exact number of calories it contains.
- A tablespoon of nut butter on apple slices or a banana is about 200 calories. It provides carbs, protein, and healthy fat, which keeps you full longer.
- Eat a pre-workout snack 30-60 minutes before and one right after a workout to improve your session and start recovery. It should be a combination of protein and carbs. Cottage cheese and unsweetened applesauce or mini sweet peppers stuffed with cream cheese.
- A filling snack that provides fiber but few calories is popcorn. Make it in a special microwaveable dish or air popper. Don’t add butter. Instead, use the popcorn toppings like cheddar cheese or jalapeno.
For more information, contact us today at VIP Fitness Center