If there is one thing that stops us from achieving a body like J.Lo’s it’s the very fact that we can’t stop ourselves from snacking. Wouldn’t you agree?
While it’s true that eating in between meals is crucial for weight loss, snacking on unhealthy food is a completely different story and instead of shaping you up it’s actually going to do the exact opposite.
So when you reach for that chocolate chip cookie justifying that it’s for your light snack, think again. Did you know that a single chocolate chip cookie contains 78 calories?
And I’m sure you won’t stop at one so you’ll probably have two or three more with your mug of hot chocolate while you’re curled up in your reading nook with a good book.
But did you know that a mug of hot chocolate contains a total of 194 calories and that doesn’t even include the whipped cream on top if you like it that way? So yes, snacking can be tricky if you don’t consider what you’re snacking on.
Luckily, we’ve compiled several healthy snack recipes for the perpetually hungry so you can stave off hunger sans the guilt.
Easy to Make Snacks
Chili-Lime Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
This recipe will yield 6 servings. One serving size will be 1/6 of the recipe and all in all you will get 208 calories. Not bad for a healthy and filling snack. You can easily burn this off if you run in the treadmill for 26 minutes tops.
For the ingredients you’ll need the following:
- 2 teaspoons of lime juice
- 2 cups of pumpkin seeds or you can use squash seeds
- ½ tablespoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Here’s how to prepare it:
- Rinse your squash or pumpkin seeds in a strainer. Place them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Allow the seeds to dry for one hour or more if need be.
- Pat the seeds dry with a clean paper towel or a dishtowel.
- Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss the pumpkin seeds in lime juice together with the spices.
- Arrange them back on the baking sheet and allow it to roast in the over for around fifteen to twenty minutes.
- After twenty minutes take the baking sheet with the pumpkin seeds out of the oven and allow it to cool on a plate.
- Once cooled, transfer all the roasted seeds into a bowl and serve it as a snack.
Instead of munching on buttered popcorn while you’re watching your favorite movie try this recipe instead.
A cup of buttered popcorn contains 78 calories and we know you can’t help but grab more so we’ve made a healthier alternative that not only tastes good, it’s also very filling.
Chai Spiced Candied Nuts
This recipe will yield 12 servings. One serving size is approximately ¼ cup and all in all you will get 213 calories. This is the perfect snack if you’re craving for a heavenly slice of dark chocolate cake or any sweet treat for that matter.
For the ingredients you’ll need the following:
For the coating:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or you can use melted coconut oil as an alternative
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- 12 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the nuts:
- 1 ½ cups pecans
- 1 ½ cups cashews
Here’s how to prepare it:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk all the ingredients together for the coating.
- Once mixed completely, toss in the nuts until all nuts are evenly coated.
- Layer the coated nuts in a non-stick or parchment lined baking sheet.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and let it roast for a total of fifteen to twenty minutes.
- While in the oven, stir the nuts occasionally every five minutes making sure everything is cooked evenly.
- You will know when the nuts are done if they are fragrant and golden.
- Transfer to a serving plate and allow cooling.
- Enjoy!
This sweet and crunchy snack is a great alternative when you are craving for something sweet. Besides, after munching on these we’re pretty sure you’ll feel sated.
Final Take
Did you know that one of the secrets to a successful weight loss is having snacks? But as mentioned, there are exemptions.
You have to consider the type of snack you’re planning to have as well as its serving size. You can’t just snack on anything if you wish to lose weight.
Snacking on healthy foods in between meals will keep your blood sugar stable and it will also stave off hunger pangs preventing you from overeating on your next meal.
When creating healthy snacks be sure to include those that are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats.
There are also healthy snacks that are no bake such as slices of ripe avocado over a slice of wheat bread or you can make smoothie bowls for your midmorning or post workout snacks.
What most visitors read next: Stave off Hunger Pangs with These Healthy Snacks
