A new year and a new you.
The gobbling marathon of the holidays is behind us. And you have decided to shed all evidence of indulgence.
But losing weight is not easy.
There are diets to follow. Exercise plans to take up. And we also dare say you should include healthy snacks in that mix.
If you are going to lose weight, eating right matters. Here is the science behind it: if you consume more calories than you burn daily, weight accumulates.
Simple right? Controlling calories is no small task, especially for us normal working folk.
So if you are going to combat weight gain effectively, you must focus on meals already void of excessive calories, which is what we have below: healthy snacks that are easy to try.
1. Kale Chips
Kale is the king of vegetables. Not only is this Brassica vegetable delicious, but it is packed with health.
Studies show that kale carries loads of nutrients. We are talking fiber, vitamins C, A, and K. In the nutrition mix. We also have manganese, calcium, and a bit of folate.
To make decadent kale chips, you will need the following:
- Kale leaves
- Salt
- Olive oil
For preparation: heat the oven, mix all the ingredients, and bake till crisp.
For other healthy alternatives, you can include kale in your sandwiches. Or make it a part of your dinner plans.
2. Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great component to include with any snack. But our favorite for weight loss is to pair it with apple slices. Nuts and fruits have often been commended for their anti-obesity properties. And the ability to make you feel fuller for longer.
The combination will give you fiber, vitamins K and C, plus potassium from the apples and protein, manganese, vitamin B3, and phosphorus from the peanut butter.
Preparing this classic is simple:
2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 apple.
Slice the apple and spread the peanut butter.
Do bear in mind that not all peanut butter is equal. You may want to avoid butter with added oils. For a healthier snack, we recommend you buy vegan-friendly peanut butter.
3. Dark Chocolate and Almonds
Dark chocolate is always a good idea. We hail it for its low sugar properties. But to make something of it, we would advise you to pair it with almonds. This kind of nut, along with others in its family, is filled with protein and unsaturated fat.
When buying dark chocolate, prioritize dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa.
4. A Fruit
You can never go wrong with fruits. Adding fresh fruit to your diet is one of the easiest ways to assist your weight loss adventure.
Much like healthy nuts, fruits will ensure you feel fuller for longer. And are low in trans fat.
5. Cucumber and Hummus
Cucumbers and hummus are other snacks packed with protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber.
Cucumber is 95% which will help you feel fuller for longer.
All you need for this snack is one cup of unpeeled cucumber. And two tablespoons of hummus.
Healthy Snack Tips
Beyond health snacks, there are some additional tasks you can take on to aid your weight loss journey: Drink plenty of water, avoid sugar, limit your fat intake, and stay clear of artificial flavors.
Losing weight is no sprint. It is a marathon. One that requires planning. With the right diet and exercise, you may just be in for a slimmer year.
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