Snacking for Weight Loss

Long gone are the days when snacks were considered bad food. You can satisfy that mid-morning hunger without throwing away your weight loss program. All you need to do is opt for healthier snack options instead of the usual sweet candy bars or even those energy bars that have more sugar than other nutrients in them.

Here are some of the best snack choices that will fit into your weight loss plan.

Whole grain snacks – they are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which replenishes your energy supply and allows you to get through the day more efficiently. Stock up on low-fat whole-grain crackers, crispbreads or pretzels.
Fruits – take your whole-grain crackers with fruits for a more filling mid-morning snack. This should be more than enough to tide you over until lunch. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, plus they provide you with the feeling of fullness without the calories.

Nuts and seeds – If you have been feeling sluggish at work, munch on nuts and seeds to get your brain working again. These food items make you feel fuller for a longer period. While they do contain a lot of fat, it's mostly monounsaturated so it's still good for your body. Take note, however, that nuts are high in calories so eat them in moderation.

Low-fat dairy – grab yogurt or slather cheese onto your crackers and you have a filling snack without the weight gain. Low-fat dairy products are rich in calcium and protein so they can efficiently fill up your power stores.

Again, the idea is to make sure that you eat these items in moderation. Just take in enough for you to satisfy your hunger. It's also best if you stock up on easy-to-prepare snacks in your fridge so you don't find yourself making a beeline towards the vending machine at work. Here are more ideas for no-fuss snacks.

Toast half of a whole-wheat English muffin and top it with a slice of tomato, low-fat American cheese and a slice of bacon. Then pop the whole thing into the microwave and bake until the cheese melts.

Slather mashed banana and peanut butter on a whole-grain bagel. You can also opt for part-skim ricotta cheese, a thinly sliced apple and cinnamon for variety.

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