Snacking For Weight Loss

There are so many reasons you snack during the day. It could be from boredom or stress. Or it could be because you’re actually hungry. Hunger is really the only reason you should be snacking. And it’s a good reason.

When you go on a diet, most times it includes restricting meals and even cutting out snacks. This isn’t a good idea at all. Cutting out snacks can actually slow your weight loss results. Your body will go into starvation mode and actually start to store up the fat you do eat and slow your metabolism.

Snacking in between meals will actually help raise your metabolism. It’s like fueling a fire. You will be helping your body burn more calories, which increases your metabolism.

While snacking is very important, it’s also important that you choose the right snacks. Snacks filled with fat, sugar, and salt may taste great, but they don’t do anything to help your weight loss goals. In fact, you may feel worse after eating them. This is because these foods cause your blood sugar levels to crash just as quickly as they rose. So try to skip that mid morning doughnut or afternoon vending machine trip.

So what does a healthy snack look like? Your snacks should be a balance of whole grain or high fiber foods (fruits and vegetables, whole grain crackers) and lean protein (nuts, low fat dairy, lean meat). Examples of healthy snacks could be apple slices with 2Tbsp. of peanut butter or a couple of whole grain crackers with low fat cheese slices. You could eat low fat yogurt mixed with fruit and almonds or maybe vegetables dipped in hummus. Just pick foods you enjoy eating and keep them balanced.

When you’re choosing your snacks, you should also consider portion control. Even healthy foods can be high in calories if you eat too much. Make sure to portion your snacks before you eat them. Don’t eat food directly out of the jar or bag. You’ll end up eating way more than you intended. Take the portion out and put it into a separate container. It may be annoying at first, but it will save you plenty of calories. And soon it will become second nature.

While a couple of planned snacks per day are healthy, you should avoid mindless snacking at your desk or in front of the television. Try to find ways to occupy yourself. You can also try chewing gum or brushing your teeth. Many times this will keep you from eating afterwards.

Of course, no matter how well your diet is going, there will be times when you crave a treat. As long as you keep the treat in moderation, there’s nothing wrong with indulging once in a while. You could even try to find healthier versions of your favorites. But if you just must have that brownie, then go ahead. Enjoy your treat and keep following your diet.

Tags: boost metabolic rate, raw food diet, strength training, diet and fitness tips