One of the biggest challenges when going on a diet is curbing your appetite and making sure you stick only to the allotted amount of calories you’ve set for yourself. Everyone feels peckish every now and again, and it’s all too easy to reach for something accessible to nibble on, like a cookie or a pack of chips.
Truth told, the best snacks for when you’re dieting are no snacks at all. But if you’re the kind of person that absolutely needs something to reach for while working or watching television, you can allot for certain healthy snacks that you can have, guilt-free.
Below is a list of some of our favorites:
Popcorn
This movie going staple can be healthy, so long as it’s prepared the right way. Use an air popper or the microwave to pop them in a brown bag and you’ve got a classic snack that’s perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows to. Since they’re made with whole grains, they pack a ton of fiber and are completely guilt-free.
Dried Fruit / Trail Mix
Another snack that’s fiber rich and really good for those late afternoon cravings is trail mix or bits of dried fruit. You can munch on them without feeling like you’re adding too much to your caloric intake and they’ll help keep your mouth busy until dinner time.
Almonds
Almonds are less than 200 calories, which makes them easy to slip into whatever kind of diet you happen to be sticking to. They give you satiating fiber along with some protein and healthy fats that your body can then convert into energy. You can also try unsweetened milked nuts made from almonds, which should help fill you up between meals.
Guacamole
This Mexican dip is made with creamy avocado, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice for a satisfying snack that’s a favorite all over America that also happens to be good for you. Instead of chips, try it with slivers of red bell pepper to increase your fruit and vegetable intake while adding to your healthy fat and fiber for the day.
Cashews
A 100-gram serving of cashews provides a whopping 73% of your recommended daily dose of magnesium, which is a mineral that helps regulate fat and carbohydrates in the body. If munching on whole cashews isn’t your thing, you can try drinking a glass of unsweetened cashew milk for a portion of the benefit.
Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-rich snack perfect for sating that post-workout hunger, plus they’re incredibly easy to prepare. One of the easiest and most energy-efficient ways to prepare hard-boiled eggs is by steaming them in a colander with a bit of water instead of submerging them in a pot – you use up less water and they cook much faster, too.
Peanut Butter
Dipping apple slices in peanut butter is a popular snack for children and for good reason – the good stuff that doesn’t contain added oils or sweeteners and is nice and chunky contains 2 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein. Stick to the recommended serving size of two tablespoons to keep within your daily calorie intake goals.
In the end, a good diet plan is all about creating a balanced meal that hits all your nutrient and caloric goals. There’s nothing wrong about snacking while on a diet, as long as you choose the right kinds of food to intake. Make sure to consider the above food items and see which best works with you.