So you’re on a weight loss diet. You’re counting your carbs and calories, taking in enough protein, and sticking strictly to foods you need to eat. You’re also going the extra mile by going to yoga or the gym, whichever is better for weight loss. However, there may be times when you’re simply craving to snack on something.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Sometimes, our stomachs growl and tempt us and stop at the nearest fast food place to munch on fries, burgers, and a tall glass of milkshake. Alas, doing so will destroy the diet you’ve so vigilantly followed.
Before you sing Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” to your favorite snacks, think about this first: you can satisfy your cravings with healthy, whole-food options that are rich in proteins and nutrients you need. Try the following guilt-free and delicious snacks you can munch on between meals.
1. Go nuts
Rich in protein and healthy fats and packed full of nutrients and antioxidants, nuts are some of the healthiest types of food there is. What’s more, nuts are versatile. You can eat them on their own or mix them in other types of food, such as pastries and salads, for added texture.
Because of these, nuts are great snacks even on a diet. Just be mindful of the amount you consume and read up on the types of nuts best for weight loss.
2. Plop down with popcorn
Planning on bingeing new Netflix shows after your session at the gym? Imagine doing that without anything to snack on because you’re on a strict diet. But, don’t worry—you can still eat popcorn! Yes, popcorn is a whole-grain, fiber-rich snack that’s low in calories.
But, popcorn can become unhealthy if you don’t prepare it right. Avoid cooking it with low-quality, hydrogenated oils like palm oil and use healthier alternatives, such as olive oil instead. Also, skip the butter or any artificial flavoring. Instead, sprinkle a pinch of salt if you want a bit of flavor.
3. Feast on fruits
Fruits are Mother Nature’s ready-made snacking options. The best thing? They’re naturally flavorful and packed with fiber, vitamins, and all the other nutrients. This is why there are lots of fruits that are great for weight loss.
What’s more, lots of fruits are portable and easy-to-eat, so you can bring them anywhere and whip them out anytime you feel like snacking. You can also incorporate them into other dishes for a dash freshness, flavor, and texture.
4. Delight in dark chocolate
Who says you can’t have something sweet and deliciously decadent while on a diet? You definitely can with dark chocolate. This rich variety of cacao has a lot of weight loss benefits, including controlling your appetite and reducing your tendency to crave.
Dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa solids is the best kind. According to Weight Watchers, cocoa solids contain the same nutrients as dark, leafy greens. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should replace the veggies with dark chocolate, but the next time you crave one, you don’t have to feel bad about it.
There are dozens of other healthy snacks you can easily find or make on your own. With these, you can take the guilt out of guilty pleasure when you’re craving a quick bite.
