Why is putting on weight so much easier than losing it? Probably because eating all of your favorite foods makes it effortless. Unfortunately, once a cheat day becomes more than just one, you need to drop a few pounds. Losing weight is a double-edged sword. You know slimming down is good for you, but you don’t want to be condemned to a life of plain lettuce leaves. Thankfully, you do have options when it comes to getting in shape and snacking. Losing weight doesn’t mean giving up flavor.
Here’s five tasty ways to satisfy your appetite and slim down!
Drink your veggies
If eating vegetables seems a little lackluster, it’s okay. Even the most avid veggie lover gets tired of plain vegetables. If you’re looking for a way to get your daily allowance of fruits and vegetables, you need to do two things. First, buy yourself a blender and secondly, start experimenting with different types of smoothies. There are a million and one ways to make a smoothie, so don’t feel obligated to stick to one kind. Choose a variety of leafy greens and balance it out with your favorite fruit. You can even add on protein powder to boost nutritional value. Alternatively, you can also whip a cold gazpacho instead of a fruit blend.
Nuts
Nuts are another great snack when you’re hungry but are in between meals. Most nuts are high in protein, fiber and don’t need to be refrigerated. You can also mix them with raisins and sunflower seeds to make a trail mix. To avoid overeating, make snack bags that are perfectly portioned.
Try something new
On days that you do indulge, there’s no need to reach for the same ole, same ole. After all, if you’re going to treat yourself, it should be something new and different. That’s where a snack crate comes in. Snack subscription boxes offer a wide variety of snacks from around the world that have a distinct flavor. You can have it delivered every month, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.
Sweet & salty
Another protein packed snack that will curb your appetite is apple with peanut butter. You can satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings in less than 300 calories. If you like sweeter apples, use Red Delicious and Granny Smith’s if you prefer a tart apple. Just remember to use only a serving of peanut butter for dipping your apple. If you go overboard, you’ll lose the health factor and end up consuming as much fat as you’d find in junk food.
Bell peppers and hummus
Packed with heart healthy antioxidants and plenty of flavor are bell peppers with creamy hummus. While all types of peppers are good, red, orange and yellow are the most nutritious. You can make your own hummus in less than 10 minutes at home, which not only tastes better, but is healthier too. All you need is a can of chickpeas, a dash of high-quality olive oil, lemon, and your favorite spices. Blend until smooth and store in the fridge.
