Sunday, October 11, 2009

TIP LOSING WEIGHT NUMBER SEVENTEEN.

Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for snacks in between meals. This is especially true for those who have to travel a lot. They feel that the only time they can get a bite to eat is snacks and junk food. The main problem with most snacks and junk food is that they are usually less filling and contain a lot of fat and calories. Just think about French fries…tempting but terribly fattening.

here a guide of eating healthy snack from http://www.mayoclinic.com.

Choose healthy snacks

Select foods that satisfy your hunger, supply your body with energy and provide important nutrients. Here are some of your best snack picks:

  • Whole grains. Whole-grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy with staying power. Look for items such as low-fat whole-grain crackers, whole-grain pretzels and whole-grain crispbreads.
  • Fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables provides a feeling of fullness with no fat and only a small number of calories. They also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients.
  • Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds provide protein, so you will feel fuller longer. They can be high in fat, but it's mostly monounsaturated, a healthy kind of fat. Nuts and seeds are high in calories, however, so don't eat them in large quantities.
  • Low-fat dairy products. Cheese, yogurt and other dairy products are good sources of calcium and protein, plus many other vitamins and minerals. Dairy products can be high in fat, so choose the low-fat versions. Some yogurts have extra added sugar, so look for low-calorie or "light" varieties.

Though snacks can contribute to a healthy diet, they can also be a source of excess calories if not eaten in moderation. For example, a single serving of almonds (about 23 kernels, or a handful) contains 163 calories. But if you eat a cup of almonds, the calorie count jumps to 800-plus calories.

So what are your best choices? Here are several suggestions:

Weight-loss snacks
Approximate number of caloriesFood
10 calories 1 large stalk of celery
25-30 calories 1 cup raw vegetables
6 medium baby carrots
60 calories 2 cups air-popped or light popcorn
1 cup of cantaloupe or grapes
1 small can of vegetable juice
100 calories 1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries
2 domino-sized slices low-fat Colby or cheddar cheese
1 fat-free chocolate pudding cup
150 calories 1/2 cup frozen, low-fat yogurt topped with 1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup sliced apples with 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
4 rye crispbread crackers
200 calories 1/4 cup dry roasted soy nuts (calories vary by brand)
1/3 cup granola
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese topped with 1/2 cup sliced fresh peaches


Here is a pictorial guide from http://www.diet-blog.com to a selection of healthy snacks - and remember - healthy eating is not just about the number of calories*.

Raw Almonds

Serving shown: 20 almonds
Calories: 139


Raw Mixed Nuts

Serving shown: 30g / ~1oz
Calories: 178


Dried Fruit

Serving shown: 40g / 1.4oz
Calories: 97

Note: Dried fruits are more calorie dense (per weight) than fresh fruit - and are easier to overeat.


Mandarin

Serving shown: 180g, 1 medium & 1 small.
Calories: 95

Note: Great packaging. Small portions. Seasonal


Apple

Serving shown: 185g / 6.5oz
Calories: 96


Banana

Serving shown: 1 medium banana - 118g
Calories: 105

Note: Nicely prepackaged.


Grapes

Serving shown: 215g / 7.6oz
Calories: 148

Note: Seasonal


Tuna

Serving shown: 85g / 3oz
Calories: 99

Note: Be wary of tuna in oil - many of the oils are vegetable oils (high in omega-6 rather than omega-3 EFA's).



Dried Peas

Serving shown: 25g / .9oz
Calories: 72

Note: Find in bulk bins - often with different seasonings.


Popcorn

Serving shown: 2 cups
Calories: 62 (air-popped)
Calories:110 (oil-popped)
No condiments added.
Note: Avoid pre-packaged popcorn (often contains trans fat).


Baby Carrots

Serving shown: 170g / 6oz
Calories: 60

Note: Convenient - can buy pre-washed and pre-bagged.


Celery & Hummus

Serving shown: 40g / 1.4oz hummus
Calories: 108

Note: Buy celery pre-cut and pre-washed. Goes well with many other dips.


Cherry Tomatoes

Serving shown: 150g / 1 Cup
Calories: 27

Note: Seasonal.


Whole-grain Crispbread with Cottage Cheese

Serving shown: 1 cracker + ~45g (1.5oz) cottage cheese (light)
Calories: 70

Note: Aim for crispbreads or crackers that are completely whole grain and have a minimal amount of oil.


Bean Salad

80g / 2.8oz
Calories: 90