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Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

By Peter Reyes

One very common question I often get from readers who're trying to lose weight is, "Can I snack while dieting?". Yes, you can. In fact, snacks can be helpful in your weight loss program if you pick the healthy ones. They supply your body with energy throughout the day, and keeps binge eating in check.

There are a few things to consider when choosing healthy snacks. Calories, taste and nutrient content are all important. Since you want to lose weight, you should pick a snack lower in calories than if you're trying to maintain or gain weight.

The amount of calories allowed for snacks depends on the amount of calories consumed during your 3 main meals, which are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For example, if you plan on having 1,800 calories a day and your meals add up to 1,500 calories in total, snacks can make up those remaining 300 calories. This gives you an idea of how many snacks you can eat so you won't stray too far.

If your snack calorie 'allowance' is high, you can even incorporate your normal favorite treats (usually higher in calories) in your diet. But here's the catch: if you go with these snacks – chocolate, ice cream, potato chips or pretzels – make sure you eat in moderation. Any food can fit into a healthy diet if you don't overeat. Eat a reasonable portion (1 serving) of chocolate or chips but not the entire bag in one sitting.

The next thing to consider when picking healthy snacks is its nutrient content. You need to get all your vitamin and mineral needs from your main meals everyday. Eating snacks such as fruits and vegetables can be a healthy way to get the required nutrients.

Having just apples or celery sticks for 30 days in a row can be painfully boring. The trick is to pick a different fruit or veggie each time you go grocery shopping and try this. Eat an apple a day this week, and a pear a day next week to add variety to your diet.

To spice up your salads or vegetables and make them more appealing, use dips, low-fat salad dressing, olive oil or vinegar.

What Are Some Healthy 100 Calorie Snacks that Satisfy Your Cravings?

1 tablespoon chunky peanut butter

29 pistachios

14 almonds

1 small sweet potato

1/5 Toblerone bar

2 Cadbury's Roses

10 Pringles

40 Rold Gold Classic Style Pretzel Sticks

28 grapes

2 cups raspberries

1 Yoplait Light Smoothie

Remember the key to successful weight loss is to enjoy all foods in moderation. Snacks are be part of a healthy and balanced diet as long as you do it right.

what are some healthy snacks to lose weight

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