First and foremost, eating three big meals a day, namely breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a very popular thing to do. While others eat just two meals a day, namely lunch and dinner or breakfast and dinner. However, because blood sugar levels drop in between meals, many people end up munching, especially when they are under stress or are otherwise idle.
Studies show that five or even six small meals spaced throughout the day is better able to maintain blood sugar levels steady. Indeed, studies pointed out that if they maintain a healthy eating schedule, people are more likely to maintain their weight loss.Moreover, eating snacks between lunch and dinner may help you eat less during dinner.
Snack Benefits
Because snacks that are high in fiber and/or protein are more filling,you may feel satiated faster and so eat less snacks or regular meals.Most of all, snacks may also provide you with valuable vitamins.
Also snacks with high energy helps you burn more calories while snacks with better metabolism helps youquickly digest the snacks that you ate.
Snack Features
Most of all, if you want to lose weight eat snacks that are low in salt, low in sugar, low in saturated fats, and low in simple carbohydrates.Also, non-processed snacks are better than processed snacks.
Moreover, snacks need to be low in calories but high in volume or density so that they take up more space in your stomach. Consequently, your full stomach makes you feel satiated.And, for all these reasons, snacking between meals helps you lose weight.
Incidentally, when you eat snacks, look at portion size on the label and stick to that portion size. In fact, never eat straight out of the container – instead always portion out what you need. In addition, avoid snacks that list sugar as one of the first few ingredients.
Above all, nuts should be eaten in small portions. Because, if you eat straight out of the container, you will eat too many nuts and hence eat too many calories.
Next, snacks should be low in added fat, low in sugar, high in fiber, and high in water. For example, an apple is healthier than a bag of chips.Also, eat fruits, vegetables, whole-grain snacks and low-fat dairy.
In addition, drastically cut back on snacks and drinks with added sugar.In fact, fresh fruit is better than a fruit flavored drink. Finally, foods and drinks that list sugar or corn syrup as one of the ingredients should be avoided.
Sampling of Healthy Snacks
Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs are a source of valuable proteins that help you feel full. However, to keep your cholesterol in check, limit yourself to eating just one egg a day.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Plain Greek yogurt provides you with lots of proteins and calcium but not so much fat and calories. Also, it’s important to eat only plain Greek yogurt because other types of Greek yogurts carry excess sugar along with other unhealthy ingredients that don’t help you lose weight.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese also has lots of proteins and calcium, making it a healthy snack. Or you can pair cottage cheese with fruits or vegetables.
Hummus
With its protein and fiber, hummus makes you feel full quickly. Or you can combine hummus with vegetables for a greater punch.
Roasted Chick Peas
Chick peas are a healthy snack because of their low sugar content but high fiber and protein content.
Edamame
Edamame is a legume with protein, fiber, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Consequently, eating edamame makes you feel full while your body gets lots of good nutrients.
Nuts
Nuts, like walnuts, and almonds, provide lots of proteins and good fats. However, eat only unsalted nuts. Furthermore, don’t forget to eat only raw or dry-roasted nuts. Regrettably, because of their high calorie content, eat only a handful of nuts.
