Don’t let the warm weather derail you from your weight loss goals! Here are 4 best snacks for spring/summer outings.
Many people avoid snacks because they’re afraid that they may lead to weight gain. However, a healthy snack can offer many benefits for your body and can even aid in your weight loss goals!
In fact, having healthy snacks throughout the day can:
- prevent you from overeating
- keep your blood sugar levels steady
- help you meet your daily nutrient requirements
- enhance your energy levels
- improve your concentration
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At DreamBody, we want to help you achieve all your weight loss goals in a healthy and sustainable manner. From customised nutrition programs to online and in-gym personal training, we can help you shed those extra pounds and achieve a great summer body!
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4 Healthy Snacks For Those Summer Outings
Summer is almost upon us! That means the countdown to less clothing, more physical activities, and fun outings has finally begun! But with these summer adventures comes a unique challenge: which snacks are best for keeping your energy up without derailing you from your weight loss goals?
These top four picks will allow you to say goodbye to bloating and say hello to boosted energy and a healthier body while you enjoy the warm weather months:
1. Watermelon
If you like to spend time in the sun, then you must stay diligent about keeping your body hydrated. Not only is it important to keep water on hand at all times, but snacking on hydrating foods such as watermelon - which is approximately 92% water - can help your body get the H20 it needs.
In addition, watermelon will:
- fill you up so you’ll eat less
- prevent bloating
- eegulate your blood pressure thanks to its high potassium content
- boost your immune system
2. Nuts
Nuts are among the healthiest foods you can eat and despite being high in fat, they also have a number of impressive benefits for your health (and weight). Some of the major benefits of adding this snack to your picnic basket include:
- They’re loaded with antioxidants
- Certain ones, such as almonds, can actually promote weight loss
- They can help reduce chronic inflammation
- They’re high in fibre
- They have been shown to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks
Tip: When eating nuts for weight loss, remember to keep calories in mind! Nuts are an incredibly energy dense food, meaning they pack a lot of nutrients in a relatively small size. This means that although you get a lot of nutritional benefits from nuts, eating a huge serving can add extra calories to your diet.
3. Seaweed Chips
Eating seaweed may seem unusual but it is one of the richest sources of proteins and nutrients. A perfect and healthy alternative to a bag of chips, this snack will give you the salty, crunchy flavour you desire without the unwanted calories!
Seaweed Chip Recipe
You will need: 10 roasted seaweed sheets and Kosher salt.
Instructions
- Lay the seaweed sheets on a flat and clean work surface and remember to keep them the shiny side up.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the sheets with a thin layer of water, making sure you do so evenly.
- Sprinkle the sheets with the kosher salt.
- Use scissors to cut the sheets into quarters.
- Place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Put it in the oven (275°F) and bake for 7-10 minutes.
4. Popcorn
This summer, it’s time to ditch the chips! With so many health benefits, popcorn is one of the few snack foods you can eat guilt-free (as long as you make it the right way!)
Here are some reasons why this crunchy kernel is actually a health food:
- It’s a whole grain. It’s been shown that popcorn eaters get 250% more whole grains in their diet than people who don’t eat popcorn. And like other whole grains, it’s high in fibre!
- It contains antioxidants. Popcorn is full of polyphenols, the same compounds found in berries and tea that are linked to heart health and a lowered cancer risk.
- It’s low in calories: Popcorn is filled with air and because of this, you can eat a pretty large portion without a lot of calories.
Tip: It’s important to prepare your popcorn carefully. Opting for microwave popcorn or pouring butter over your snack can result in a lot more calories than you bargained for! Instead, use an air popper and season lightly with a sprinkle of salt.
Call Today
Want to know more about how you can keep eating healthy and stick to your weight loss goals this summer? Contact our Calgary nutrition coach or personal trainer at 403-612-3538 or fill in our online contact form.
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