Brits looking to lose weight are told they can still enjoy tasty snacks and achieve their fitness goals.
The fitness experts at MuscleFood’s powered Plans share their ultimate snack guide of tasty treats without compromising on a healthy diet.
A common misconception is that eating healthy means eliminating tasty and filling snacks from our diet.
Experts are encouraging people to stop seeing snacking as an unhealthy habit and instead look for snacks high in protein and fiber, which keep us fuller and more energized for longer.
Snacks like protein bars and cheeses with whole grain crackers are great for curbing appetite while satisfying our hunger needs.
Health and fitness expert Ashleigh Tosh from Goal Plans said: “Many of us love to snack throughout the day and sometimes they keep us going!
“The good news is that you can definitely include snacks in a healthy diet. If anything, it’s really encouraging because it helps keep you full and energized between big meals throughout your busy day.
“The key to a good snack is to eat foods high in protein or fiber – this keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which means you don’t reach for unhealthy chips or sweets every now and then.
“Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring either! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite snacks that help me satisfy my cravings and stay on track without sacrificing taste.
“My general advice to people on their fitness journey is to focus on the 80/20 rule. As long as 80% of your food is good quality, use the other 20% to give yourself some wiggle room – this is the key to a lasting healthy relationship with food!
Seven healthy snacks to enjoy:
- A mix of paths
This snack is a mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruit and is a great source of protein. It’s also full of healthy fats and slowly releases energy, keeping you full and energized for longer. Just be mindful of your portion sizes as they can be calorie dense.
- Carrots and creepy
Houmous is rich in healthy fats, providing you with fat-soluble vitamins. It’s also high in fiber, which keeps you full and helps with digestive health. You can replace the carrot sticks with celery sticks or even cucumber.
- Protein bar
If you have a sweet tooth, protein bars can be a great snack to curb cravings. This sweet treat will help you increase your protein intake throughout the day, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Protein shake
Like a protein bar, a shake adds protein to your diet, and they’re also very filling. Nowadays, you can get such a wide variety of flavors to suit any appetite!
- Greek yogurt and fresh fruit
This popular snack is high in fiber and can be low in calories. Choose fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries to keep the snack healthy.
- Biscuits with cheese
If you like salty snacks, crackers with cheese are perfect to satisfy your appetite. Just make sure you use whole grain crackers to increase your fiber intake.
- Boiled eggs
Eggs are one of the best and easiest sources of protein, as one large boiled egg contains about six grams of the nutrient.