Many people make this mistake of thinking that they can’t snack at all if they’re trying to eat healthily or lose weight. But it’s not only okay to snack – it’s beneficial.
Snacking keeps the cravings down. You don’t get over-hungry – so you don’t eat as much at mealtimes. If you snack a little during the day, you’ll consume fewer calories during meals: aim to eat a light meal or snack every three hours.
Of course, you need to eat the right things. Snacking on candy bars and chips won’t help you lose weight.
- Healthy Snacking: Nuts
Almonds make a great snack: your portion should be about 12 – 15 individual almonds. They’re a great source of calcium – which makes them especially good for those of us who don’t like milk. They’re also heart-healthy.For the chocoholics (like me!) out there, combine almonds with about an ounce of good-quality dark chocolate – 70% or more cocoa. Avoid milk chocolate, as it usually has a lot of sugar. Dark chocolate has been proven to lower your blood pressure.
Nuts in general are good for snacking. Peanuts have gained a bad reputation – they’re actually healthy, as you don’t eat too many. Walnuts are a great choice as they contain Omega 3 fatty acids – particularly useful if you dislike fish.
- Healthy Snacking: Fruits
It’s important to include fruits in your diet: they’re high in fiber and vitamins. Bananas are often a good choice, unless you’re diabetic (they have a high sugar content, especially when very ripe). They contain a lot of potassium so they’re good for people with high blood pressure.Many fruits are easy to grab and eat straight away – like grapes (freeze them if you like) or berries. The dark-colored berries like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all packed with anti-oxidants.
- Snacking While You’re Out
It can be tough to eat healthily when you’re on the move – traveling or shopping, for instance. You may need to plan ahead and take some healthy snacks with you.
Although popcorn makes a good snack while at home, the type you buy at the movies is often covered in butter, sugar or salt. Whole wheat pretzels are a better option.
Other good snacks on the move include fruit, and small containers of yogurt (look out for the sugar content, though).Don’t just think about what you eat while out and about – think about what you’re drinking, too. “Liquid calories” can add up to a surprising amount. Your favorite latte could contain up to 500 calories, which is equal to a cheeseburger. While the occasional special coffee will not ruin your diet, having one every day may add on the pounds.
You can – and should – snack while you’re trying to lose weight. Sensible snacks are a vital part of a healthy diet.
Have you got a favorite healthy snack? Share your suggestions in the comments.
Choosing the Best Soil
Here are the steps you can take to help get the best value from your landscaping pros.
As the interest in home renovations continues to grow, homeowners are constantly looking for ways to get the job done without depleting their bank account. With numerous steps and details involved in the process, it is easy for homeowners to become overwhelmed and spend more money than is truly necessary.
3. Lighting. Lighting can say a lot about your kitchen. There are many different lighting options available, and again it depends on the aesthetic or overall style of the room. Do you have stainless steel appliances and sleek drawer pulls? Try modern track lighting or recessed can lights. If you have more of a country feel to your kitchen, try a small decorative lamp on a counter to make the room feel more inviting. Or, brighten your work space by placing halogen or florescent lights under the cabinets. More and more modern kitchens are including this amenity
5. Back splash: The kitchen’s back splash might not be the first thing people notice, but adding tile or other detail to this area is an easy way to upgrade. You don’t have to skilled tile mason to tackle this project; most home improvement stores now have adhesive strips of tile that can be cut to fit any area.
Follow these seven tips to make sure your contractor agreement works in your favor—not your builder’s.
The term “starter home” seemingly refers to an entry-level property—one that is affordable yet needs tender love and care. But amidst the many homes available in today’s market, current first-time buyers want places with a little less room for improvement. In a survey of 300 consumers who purchased their first home in the last year, 87% said finding a move-in ready home is important to them.
The spring real estate market is approaching, and this year there is no federal tax credit to get wary buyers off the fence. A recent survey of 3,500 U.S. homeowners and renters conducted for the National Association of REALTORS® by Harris Interactive found that 60% of those who would like to own a house worry about job security and creditworthiness.
Adding motion sensor lighting in and around your house provides an automated, hands-free way to turn on lights when you need them, and off when you don’t.
With school vacations approaching, many lucky families are planning trips to cure their winter blues. Here are some important things to remember if you leave your home for several days.
