Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss, The Top 5
Last Updated December 12, 2018 By Elizabeth Ibarra
One of the most asked question in food is, what are the healthiest snacks that keep you full and satisfied? We understand because looking for quick and easy healthy snacks that will keep you full and satisfied can be intimidating.
Hunger can be stressful and often cause people to choose unhealthy foods. Especially if you don’t have a list of go-to foods on hand, you might get tempted by something unhealthy.
So when hunger strikes between meals, don't ignore it or fill up on empty calories. Instead, opt for a healthy snack to satisfy your hunger.
And to satisfy your grumbling stomach without packing extra calories, you need to choose lean protein foods, fiber-rich foods, and water-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Lean protein is the most filling, and it takes more time to digest and absorb although experts are still debating the claim.
• High-fiber foods are the next most filling. Fiber also takes time to digest and attracts water at the same time making you full longer and prevents constipation.
• Fruits and vegetables are generally high in water content and contain fewer calories that can also increase satiety.
Choosing the right portion sizes in advance can help prevent overeating. Moderation is key, even when eating healthy foods.
Granola Bars
These are probably one of the most common healthiest snacks we all know. But store-bought granola bars can be filled with preservatives and high in sugar that packs unwanted calories so always check the label when buying one.
If possible, make your homemade granola bars. You can put in healthy ingredients you like and control the sweetness. Not to mention, they are fun to bake and taste way better than any store-bought kind.
The oats are rich in soluble fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol. You can also add wheat germ which is an excellent source of vitamin E, dried cranberries to add just the right amount of sweetness and as a healthy substitute for calorie-loaded sweet snacks like pastries, sugar cookies, or donuts.
A fun and tasty alternative to granola bars, are the popular and delicious granola balls. With granola, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more, these are a simple to make alternative to the traditional granola bar that the whole family will enjoy.
These are probably one of the most common healthiest snacks we all know. But store-bought granola bars can be filled with preservatives and high in sugar that packs unwanted calories so always check the label when buying one.
If possible, make your homemade granola bars. You can put in healthy ingredients you like and control the sweetness. Not to mention, they are fun to bake and taste way better than any store-bought kind.
The oats are rich in soluble fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol. You can also add wheat germ which is an excellent source of vitamin E, dried cranberries to add just the right amount of sweetness and as a healthy substitute for calorie-loaded sweet snacks like pastries, sugar cookies, or donuts.
A fun and tasty alternative to granola bars, are the popular and delicious granola balls. With granola, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and more, these are a simple to make alternative to the traditional granola bar that the whole family will enjoy.
Fresh Fruits
You can never go wrong with fruits. They’re healthy, tasty and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Yes, it contains sugar, but as long as you eat them moderately then, you're fine. Fruits are still a better choice than pastries and cookies.
As one of the easiest fruits to eat on the go, apples can be one of your go-to snacks. Munching apples before a meal can cut down your overall calorie consumption by 15 percent, based on a Penn State University research. So there’s no reason not to add them to your cart next time you go grocery shopping.
The humble banana‘s water and fiber content will keep you full without the calories as 75 percent of the fruit is pure water. Plus you can grab it and go!
Eggs
Eggs are considered a breakfast staple. Consuming 1 or 2 eggs for breakfast will help keep cravings away before lunchtime. The filling effect of eggs comes from the excellent quality protein and fat in them that provides continuous energy. It's also a complete source of protein, meaning they have all the essential amino acids.
Eating a high protein egg-based breakfast controlled hunger throughout the morning as compared to a low-protein breakfast or skipping breakfast, according to a 2013 study by the University of Missouri.
Likewise, in a 2010 research published in Nutrition Research point that eating eggs helps decrease calorie consumption during the day by 18 percent!
Almonds
Almonds are another filling food that helps control appetite. It's loaded with calcium and iron, healthy unsaturated fat, with protein and fiber, that take time to digest keeping you full longer. Moreover, they help keep cholesterol low and prevent dangerous spikes in blood sugar.
A 2013 study issued in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that almonds have appetite benefits and reduce the risk for weight gain making almonds a healthy snack option.
The natural, unsalted options are the best choice but have ¼ cup of almonds daily between meals only. Moderation is still key.
Almonds are another filling food that helps control appetite. It's loaded with calcium and iron, healthy unsaturated fat, with protein and fiber, that take time to digest keeping you full longer. Moreover, they help keep cholesterol low and prevent dangerous spikes in blood sugar.
A 2013 study issued in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, revealed that almonds have appetite benefits and reduce the risk for weight gain making almonds a healthy snack option.
The natural, unsalted options are the best choice but have ¼ cup of almonds daily between meals only. Moderation is still key.
BONUS: Lemon Water
This isn't considered a snack, but it helps keep hunger and cravings at bay. A glass of lemon water can help decrease hunger cravings and keep you satisfied longer. Lemon juice contains pectin, a soluble fiber that helps slow digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Moreover, it will keep you hydrated. Sometimes, dehydration can lead to hunger pangs and leave you confused whether you are hungry or thirsty.
So, instead of eating something to satisfy your afternoon craving, drink a glass of lemon water. This will even improve digestion and aid weight loss.