Teeny changes. Big difference.
Tiny Change #2: Snack Smart
A common misconception about weight loss is that you should cut out snacking. But there’s a difference between smart snacking and mindless snacking.
When I lost the weight and kept it off, snacks were a must-have part of my success strategy. A snack mid-morning and then another in the afternoon bridged the gap between meals, so I wasn’t tempted to overeat at mealtime.
And, because my body was getting fueled regularly, it helped prevent raving snack attacks—you know, the kind with the urge to inhale anything in sight.
So what defines a healthy snack? According to research, low-sugar, high-protein snacks result in a significantly greater loss of body weight. Why? Because snacking helps maintain blood sugar levels, which keeps you full and prevents your body from storing excess fat.
There are other reasons why snacks helped me lose weight—and why they’ll help you trim down too. The right snacks can actually support weight loss by giving your body important nutrients that help you shed excess weight, like fiber and lean protein.
Snack Hack: How To Snack Healthy To Lose Weight And Keep It Off
Snacks are essential for weight loss and maintenance, but what you choose to snack on makes all the difference.
Eating snacks is never the problem, but rather what and how much you eat is the key focus. Remember: deprivation is never the answer when it comes to eating healthy foods.
I’ve listed off several recipes that are delicious and healthy ways to snack. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, chocolaty, crunchy, or salty, you can find it and eat it the right way as part of my top tiny changes for weight loss.
- Zucchini Hummus (I take this dip with some veggies into the movies. It’s that good.)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (An oldie but goodie, this is one of my favorite post-workout foods.)
- No-Bake Workout Bars (When I need an energy boost for a strength training workout, this is the bar that goes in my gym bag. Love this pre-workout bar!)
- Roasted Chickpeas (When craving something crunchy, I grab a handful and munch away.)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites (These are my favorite snacks for a quick afternoon pick-me-up.)
