Low Calorie Snacks

A common belief amongst dieters is that eating snacks will destroy your diet. Research is supporting the understanding instead that snacks may actually help you stick to your diet as long as you make healthy choices and don’t overeat. Snacking can be beneficial to any weight-loss diet. It will help to prevent binging. By having a small nutritious snack you will prevent overeating at your next meal. You can get much-needed extra energy and nutrients by a nutritious snack during the day.

 

In order to have healthy and easy snacks available, plan ahead. Do your grocery shopping with healthy snacks in mind and don’t shop while you’re hungry. If you make a list and stick to it and spend the least possible amount of time in the store, you are more likely to come home with good choices. Once you get the foods home, prepare or at least package them in handy serving size bags so they are readily available to you instead of grabbing something harmful to your diet.

Whole grain snacks are easy and healthy snacking options. They are rich in fiber and carbohydrates so they give you energy that lasts. Try low fat whole grain crackers, whole grain crisp breads, and whole grain pretzels.

Fruits and vegetables are simple snacking alternatives. They will provide you with a feeling of fullness that will help you make it until the next meal. They are fat free and have very few calories. In addition, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. Try raw carrots, celery sticks, apples or bananas.

Nuts and seeds are clever snacks that are easy to incorporate into any weight loss diet plan. They provide protein, which helps you feel fuller longer. In addition, they possess mostly monounsaturated fat, which is the healthy kind. Nuts do however contain a lot of calories so do not eat them in large quantities. Soy nuts are a great choice.

Low fat diary products are another healthy snacking solution. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are rich in protein and calcium. They are also vital sources of other minerals and vitamins. It is important to choose low fat or light dairy products to limit your caloric intake. Try fat free pudding or light yogurt.

Remember, the key things to remember are that the snacks should be low calorie, you should not allow yourself to over eat them, and nutrition is vital.

 

Writing down every morsel doubles weight loss (MSNBC)

People who kept daily food diaries lost twice as much weight or more as those who didn’t keep a tally of their meals, according to a new study.

Health Calendar: 07/03/2008 (Traverse City Record-Eagle)

The Health calendar is published weekly. Information to be included can be mailed to the Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685; faxed to 946-8632; e-mailed to sbeach@record-eagle.com or delivered to: 120 W. Front St. Traverse City.

Datebook - July 4, 2008 (Estes Park Trail Gazette)

Independence Day Fireworks over Lake Estes, 9:30 p.m., 577-9900. Holiday Pancake Breakfast benefit for Crossroads Ministry non-profit organization assisting people in need. Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church, 920 Big Thompson Ave., 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

News in brief for July 3 (The Andover Townsman)

Tribute night to Ken Mahony On Friday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Library, there will be a tribute to Kenneth Mahony, the former town manager of Andover. The public is welcome. Mahony's widow, Gratia Mahony, has said a number of Ken Mahony's family from the Midwest will be present, according to former community services librarian Norma Gammon.

Datebook - July 2, 2008 (Estes Park Trail Gazette)

Wednesday Nights at Performance Park, sponsored by the Town of Estes Park, featuring Estes Park Jazz Big Band under the direction of Chuck Varilek, 7 p.m. at Performance Park outdoor amphitheater, 417 W. Elkhorn Ave., 577-9900.