Snacking gets a bad rap, but it can help you maintain a healthy weight — and even lose weight — as long as you pay attention to the types of foods you eat and make healthy choices
Eating small meals and snacks about every three hours or so can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day
And, it can help you avoid extreme hunger so you don’t overeat at lunch or dinner
High-calorie snacks that are high in fat or sugar—such as candy and potato chips—may satisfy a quick craving but only keep hunger at bay for a short time
Healthy snack tips
The best way to snack is to choose foods that combine protein, fiber, and small amounts of heart-healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats or omega-3 fatty acids, and not too much sugar or salt
These types of snacks are more likely to fill you up and keep you satisfied until your next meal
Nutritionists recommend keeping snacks to 100 to 200 calories
It’s also important to get in the habit of reading Nutrition Facts panels to check the healthiness of snacks
10 quick and easy snacks that can help you lose weight
Nuts are full of protein and healthy fats, so they help you stay fit longer
To make your snack last longer, choose nuts that you have to peel one by one
A cup of frozen raisins is an easy and nutritious snack
If raisins aren’t your thing, try a frozen banana topped with a spoonful of chocolate syrup
Oat bran is a complex carbohydrate, so it helps fill you up without increasing blood sugar
A small bowl of oat bran flavored with low-fat milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon makes a hearty and filling snack
Plus, blueberry oat muffins are the perfect midday pick-me-up
A single-serve container of light, low-fat yogurt (or Greek-style yogurt) is an easy on-the-go snack
Add fresh fruit, ground flaxseed, or reduced-fat granola to yogurt to pack an extra nutritional punch
Or, try repurposing a container of whipped yogurt for something new
Try roasting them in the oven with olive oil, a little salt, and a teaspoon of ground cumin
Roasted peas have the hardness of chips but have a meaty texture and a nutty flavor
Nutritious avocados are a powerful source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
As a whole grain that is naturally high in fiber and low in fat, air-popped popcorn is a gluten-free snack with staying power
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over popcorn for decadent flavor
For a portable, healthy snack, mix together whole grains, nuts and dried fruit
Fresh fruit is always a healthy snack
For a creative twist, combine a piece of fruit with a few nuts, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, or whole grains and low-fat milk
Or, try a cup of fruit and a scoop of melted chocolate chips for dipping
Healthy snacking is a habit you will develop over time