Smart Snacks
Starting a diet can often feel like joining a convent – you religiously sacrifice your favorite things in order to achieve a more profound sense of self, or in this case, self-esteem. However, the moment you start cutting those calories, your stomach will undoubtedly start protesting. Every cookie and chip beckons to you like an unholy demon, and those mid-afternoon munchies may very well become your downfall.
However, don’t let the guilt of the occasional nibble stop you from nailing your diet. Adding snacks to your strict 3 meals a day regime may actually help you lose those extra pounds despite the idea that you’re adding a few extra calories.
Sounds too good to be true?
Well it isn’t. Keep reading to find out how.
The Good
Indulging yourself in a small snack between meals may actually help to reduce your overall calorie intake, curbing the need to binge at your next meal.
When you force yourself to wait until you’re absolutely starved before you can take a bite, your body sends signals to your brain that you’re starving. Slowing down your metabolism, and triggering the need to eat as much as you can whenever you can get it. Even if you had been a “good girl” all day, reigning in the beast when an entire plate of food is sitting right there in front of you can be a struggle. Many dieters find themselves consuming larger portions than they had anticipated.
Luckily for you, Snacks keep your blood sugar levels from dropping too low, preventing your body from sending out those starvation signals to your brain, and keeping your appetite in check.
A few additional calories from a fruit or veggie before a large meal may be able to keep you from devouring everything you see during breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The Bad
Unfortunately, there is a right and a wrong way to snack. Many people think of a chocolate bar or a muffin as an acceptable snack. Despite the benefits of snacking between meals, prepackaged and high-calorie foods can break your diet if you’re not careful. Steer toward foods that can satisfy your cravings and keep you full for longer periods of time rather than simply giving in to the need to nibble.
If you have a sweet tooth, reach for a peach. If you need something crunchy, try an apple. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber but low in calories, so you can curb those cravings without packing on the pounds.
The Skinny
The following tips can help you keep your calorie count under control:
• Limit yourself to a single serving
• Plan your snacks like a meal and keep track of the calories
• Savor don’t graze
• Don’t snack in front of the TV
Low- Calorie Treats
1. Guilt-Free Chocolate: Top 4 oz. of sugar-free chocolate pudding (made with skim milk) with 2 Tbs. fat-free whipped topping. Total calories: 75.
2. Berry Good Dessert: Mix ¼ cup of low fat yogurt with ½ cup of blueberries and/or raspberries. Total calories: 90.
3. Palette Pleasing Popcorn: Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of parmesan cheese over 2 cups air-popped popcorn. Total calories: 85
Final Thoughts
Just because you’re trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to confess all your snacking sins. By following these simple tips and tricks you can finally nail that diet without feeling starved every minute of the day, and you may be surprised at how simple it can be to cut those calories.
However, you may need a little extra help to get out of your weight loss rut, and Apidextra is one of the best diet pills on the market. Although a dietary supplement will never be able to replace a healthy diet and regular exercise, a quality pill such as Apidextra may be able to help you keep those cravings for carbs and sweets under control.
With 8 clinically proven ingredients, Apidextra can increase your energy levels and decrease your appetite without the risk of negative side-effects. See what other snackers are saying about Apidextra here!