One of the hardest parts about starting a weight loss journey is figuring out the healthiest snacks you can eat every day that will help you stay fuller longer. While it can be tempting to reach for carb-heavy bites like potato chips, pretzels, or candy, the best snacks for weight loss are ones that contain fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Protein is important for losing weight because it helps reduce the hunger hormone while boosting satiety hormones. Because of this, you won’t feel as hungry later in the day and it can help you eat fewer calories. So, it’s important for your snacks to be protein-based.
To learn more about the best proteins to snack on to stay fuller, longer, we reached out to Lisa Young, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, Joanna Wen, certified weight loss coach and founder of Spices & Greens, and Caitlin Carr, MS, RD, registered dietitian and nutritionist at Legacy Health. They said the best protein-based snacks are nuts, yogurt, and hummus because they’re ultra-satiating without packing in the calories. These nutritious snacks also boost metabolism, help maintain blood sugar levels, and prevent your body from storing excess fat. Find out more about these delicious snacks below!
Use Biohacking To Combat Aging With Somavedic's Scientifically Proven Products
Shutterstock
Nuts
Nuts are a particularly high-fiber protein food that makes a delicious bite between meals or as an addition to snacks. One metabolism-boosting nut you can add to your morning bowl of oatmeal is almonds. Dietitians and nutritionists highly recommend snacks like trail mix with nuts or apples with nut butter.
Shutterstock
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great weight loss snack because, as Best explains, "The best snacks are those that contain two qualities; low in calories and rich in satiating nutrients; fiber and protein." Trail mix is an especially favorable snack because it can easily be an on-the-go snack and "provides a quick source of protein and fiber." These nutrients are essential to any great snack that can aid weight loss. They can help you stay satiated.
Shutterstock
Apple Slices With Nut Butter
Another great way to add nuts to your daily snack is in butter form, peanut butter, almond butter, or even pistachio butter (read on about the healthiest nut butter for weight loss!). Add in some classic apple slices and you've got yourself a tasty, filling snack. According to Wen, this dietitian-approved snack is also one of the best options when it comes to sustainable weight loss.
Apple slices with nut butter can keep you satiated longer after you eat them than potato chips. That means you’re less likely to dig into more snacks between meals. On top of that, Wen says, "Apples are a great source of dietary fiber and nutrients, and when combined with the protein-rich nut butter this snack can keep you feeling full for several hours." she says. Overeating unhealthy snacks is one of the major culprits for slowed weight loss, so opting for protein-rich snacks like nuts can help keep you fuller, longer!
Shutterstock
Yogurt
Another protein you can snack on every day is yogurt. Carr emphasizes that eating more protein is crucial for boosting your energy and helping with gut health. Yogurt can not only help soothe stomach inflammation but also give you the energy your body needs to take on the day. "The high protein content of the yogurt provides a good foundation for the first meal of the day," she notes. "The amount of fruit and nuts added to this parfait is up to you, so the fiber content is customized to your preferences." Carr adds that a lower fiber content protein, like yogurt, "can provide some gastrointestinal relief if you are experiencing bloating in the morning." And, you can add fruits that are rich in collagen to your yogurt to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Shutterstock
Hummus
Finally, hummus is a particularly beneficial protein to snack on. Young recommends hummus and veggies as a snack to curb cravings and lose weight. "Hummus and vegetables," she explains, "make for a great snack. Here is a good chance to get a dose of colorful vegetables including carrots, [and] red and yellow peppers. Hummus contains protein which will help keep you [feeling] full. Aim for around a quarter cup serving of hummus and as many fresh veggies as you like." Doctors also say that carrots are anti-inflammatory and can help you achieve a flat stomach.
So, there you have it: a healthy snack doesn't have to be complicated or boring. Trail mix, apple slices with nut butter, parfaits, and hummus with veggies are simple and satiating snacks you can have every day to lose weight. Yum!
The Best Proteins To Snack On To Stay Fuller, Longer Over 40 - SheFinds
Read More
No comments:
Post a Comment