If I Eat Healthy While Pregnant Will I Lose Weight
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It's 3 p.m., do you have your hanger under control? You might think those afternoon hunger pangs are just a friendly reminder that you're losing weight, but you're wrong.
Many experts say that healthy snacking is a kick-ass way to get closer to your goals without having an emotional breakdown when someone brings cupcakes to your post-lunch meeting. "Snacking can keep your hunger at bay, prevent overeating at meal times, and actually keep your weight in check," says Kara Lydon, R.D., author of Nourish Your Namaste e-bookandThe Foodie Dietitian Blog .
The key here is munching on snacks that are packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and fight cravings, says Lydon.
The other essential part of snacking for weight loss is variety, she says. From peanut butter and jelly bowls to antipasti spreads, this is what nutritionists snack on when they're trying to lose weight.
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Sliced Apple with Hummus
"The combination of carbohydrates from the apple and protein and fat from the hummus supply your cells with a constant flow of energy so you don't crave a larger meal," says Laura Cipullo, R.D., author of The Women's Health Body Clock Diet .
Larger meals require more of insulin, and keeping insulin levels stable by snacking cuts the production of the appetite hormone, ghrelin, preventing extra belly fat deposits," says Cipullo.
On the go? Grab a sliced apple and an individual hummus packet.
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Greek Yogurt with Almonds and Walnuts
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Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
This snack is especially great for anyone suffering from PMS, when cravings are on a whole new level, says Cipullo. "Cottage cheese and pineapple will give you that salty-sweet mix with enough protein and carbs to keep you satisfied for a while," she says. (Get after your weight-loss goals with Women's Health's Body Clock Diet.)
Cipullo loves Friendship's five-ounce single serve cottage cheese with pineapple. "It delivers 12 grams of protein and only 20 grams of carbs, making it ideal for snack time," she explains. You can also make your own by eating five ounces of cottage cheese with a cup of chopped pineapple on the side.
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Pistachios
"A handful of pistachios keeps me satisfied for hours," says Erin Palinksi-Wade, R.D. That's because 100 calories worth of pistachios, about 30 nuts, provides plant-based fat, fiber, and protein, she says.
"The leftover shells serve as a reminder of how much I've eaten, which makes staying on track with portion control much easier," she says.
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Air-Popped Popcorn
"With only 100 calories in three cups, air-popped popcorn provides a filling snack packed with fiber," says Palinkski-Wade.
Try experimenting with a variety of toppings, like cinnamon, parmesan cheese, or even taco seasoning, she says.
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Banana with Peanut Butter
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Baby Carrots with Greek Yogurt
"The combination of the carbohydrates from the carrots and the protein and fat from the yogurt make for a well-balanced snack," says Mikus. Consuming these macronutrients together keeps you satiated for longer and helps lessen the chance of blood sugar spikes, she says.
Nosh on a half-cup of carrots dipped in 1/4 cup of yogurt.
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Crackers with Smoked Salmon and Hummus
When she gets sick of the same old snacks, Detroyer says she reaches for two whole-wheat crackers (she likes Ak-mak brand), two ounces of smoked salmon, and two tablespoons of hummus.
"The protein from the salmon provides staying power, carbs from the crackers will give your mood and brain a boost, and the hummus has fat for satiation," she says.
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Sweet Potato with Ricotta and Cinnamon
To crush your sweet tooth, Detroyer says scoop half of a small, baked sweet potato into a bowl and top with 1/4 cup of reduced-fat ricotta and a dash of cinnamon. "You'll get your carbs, fiber, and potassium from the potato, fat and protein from the ricotta, and an added kick of flavor from the cinnamon," says Detroyer.
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Graham Crackers with Cream Cheese and Jam
For a sweet snack, Detroyer also reaches for two graham cracker rectangles with one tablespoon of cream cheese and two teaspoons of jam.
"This satisfies that desire for sugar and the cream cheese adds richness and fat to hold you over between meals," she says.
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Baked Potato with Greek Yogurt and Salsa
If you're feeling more salty than sweet, opt for half of a small baked potato, topping it with 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of salsa, says Detroyer
This hearty snack contains protein, fiber, and carbs and feels like so much more than a handful of nuts for about the same amount of calories, she says.
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Crackers with Cheese and Avocado
If you're throwing a 4 p.m. party in your mouth, Detroyer says this snack is the bomb. Top two whole-grain crackers with creamy, pre-portioned cheese (Detroyer uses one triangle of Laughing Cow cheese) and layer on a slice of avocado.
"You get carbs for energy, fiber from the crackers and avocado, and protein from cheese, making it a weight-loss friendly snack," Detroyer says.
If I Eat Healthy While Pregnant Will I Lose Weight
Source: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/g19913098/health-snacks-to-eat-while-losing-weight/