by Don’t we all wish we could indulge in whatever snacks we like without worrying about gaining weight? Sadly, the majority of the foods you undoubtedly have in your cabinet right now are highly processed and horrible for our general health—especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Unbelievably, there are snacks that are both tasty and nutritious.
We spoke with Billy Bradley, a registered dietitian and the creator of Mediterranean Living, to discover more about three nutritious pantry snacks you may eat while still trying to lose weight. He urges people who are trying to lose weight to eat air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, and rice cakes with nut butter. They are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and low in added sugar, all of which are helpful for losing weight. Learn everything he knows about these suggested healthy pantry snacks!
1.Rice Cakes with Nut Butter for snacks
Puffed rice can be squeezed together into a cake shape to create rice cakes, which are a low-calorie snack. For more protein and good fats, Bradley suggests spreading nut butter on top of rice cakes. “A fantastic alternative for weight loss is rice cakes with nut butter. First of all, rice cakes are a low-calorie snack with just about 35–40 calories per rice cake, making them a suitable option for individuals limiting their calorie intake, “explains Bradley. The pleasant crunch that less healthy options like potato chips have is also present in rice cakes.
Nut butter, on the other hand, is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can keep you feeling full and content, the author says. This is important for weight loss because it can help reduce overeating and unhealthy snacking.
“Furthermore, the combination of rice cakes and nut butter can provide a balanced snack that comprises both carbohydrates and protein, which can help keep your blood sugar levels consistent and avoid crashes that can trigger cravings,” says Bradley. Bradley concludes by stating that it’s crucial to pick natural, unsweetened nut butters. Several commercial nut butters, according to him, can include a lot of added sugar and saturated fats.
2. Air-Popped Corn for snacks
Bradley suggests air-popped popcorn as another wholesome, calorie-free pantry treat. Air-popped popcorn, as opposed to microwave popcorn, does not use oil, which increases the snack’s fat content. Popcorn that has been pre-packaged and microwaved is laden with salt and fatty oils.
“The flavor of air-popped popcorn can be enhanced by seasoning it with herbs and spices. “Popcorn is an excellent solution for weight loss for a variety of reasons,” he exclaims.To cut back on needless calories, Bradley notes that it’s crucial to choose air-popped or lightly salted kinds. “First off, air-popped popcorn is a low-calorie snack with only about 30 calories in a cup. For those trying to limit their calorie consumption, this makes it the perfect snacks.”
And because popcorn is a whole grain, it has a high fiber content. “Fiber is crucial for weight loss because it keeps you full and happy and lowers your risk of subsequent overeating. Antioxidants, which can help prevent chronic diseases, are also abundant in popcorn, “explains Bradley. Similar to rice cakes, popcorn can be a filling, crunchy treat that can help allay your desires for salty and crispy foods.
3.Chickpeas Roasted for snacks
Bradley also suggests roasting chickpeas as a great, sensible snacks. A satisfying, high-protein snack like roasted chickpeas can sate your desires and provide your body with the energy it needs to complete your upcoming activity. “Roasted chickpeas are a filling and crispy snack that are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Flavor may be added by seasoning them with a variety of spices. The best way to lose weight is to consume roasted chickpeas, “says Bradley. “First of all, they are high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and content and lower the risk of binge eating later,” says the author.
He says, “Chickpeas are also a fantastic source of protein, which is an additional component that can help keep you feeling full and discourage overeating.” Moreover, roasted chickpeas are a low-calorie snack, with around 1/2 cup of roasted chickpeas containing about 120 calories. Noted!
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Conclusion
Snacking can occasionally interfere with your hunger and fullness cues, but it can also be a healthy and useful part of any weight loss program. You may get the energy you need for the day or before a workout by choosing the correct snacks, such as rice cakes with nut butter, air-popped popcorn, or roasted chickpeas.
