7 Snacks that Help You Lose Weight

Kaboodle.com


If you've recently made resolutions to lose weight or eat better you're probably already finding that sustaining such health-minded goals can be difficult. But success can be yours if you create good habits to replace the bad ones. This is especially true of snacks. Stock up on and reach for the following healthier options instead of convenient standbys like chips, energy bars, or cookies and you'll not stop your metabolism from crashing midday. Better yet, you'll also drop pounds, since many of these snacks have been proven to increase weight loss!


1. Soup
According to a 2007 study conducted at Penn State University, eating a low-cal soup (think broth-based, not cream-based) before a larger meal can help you eat less in general because it contains a combination of liquids and solids, which seems to satisfy hunger better than either does on its own. It also makes a great solo snack or meal.

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2. Yogurt
A 2004 study published in Obesity Research indicates a dairy-rich (about three to four servings a day) diet can lead to five percent greater weight loss (and a significantly higher loss of body fat from the midsection) than a dairy-poor one. One of the easiest and lowest calorie ways to get your dairy fix is to reach for a low-fat yogurt for breakfast and when you're craving a snack in the middle of the day. Because of its protein content, yogurt is also great for an energy boost before working out.


3. Popcorn
Light or air-popped popcorn is a great snack because it contains a significant amount of fiber (which will make you feel full faster) and it's a whole grain so it's better for you than a handful of chips, crackers, or pretzels. Fiber is also helpful for maintaining blood-sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and decreasing the risk of heart disease, making popcorn a good choice all around.

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4. Raspberries
While most fruits and veggies make a great snack, raspberries top our list because not only are they very low-cal (only one calorie per berry!), they're also incredibly delicious!


5. Green Tea
While drinking green tea won't do much to help you feel full, clinical trials conducted at the University of Geneva and University of Birmingham indicate regular consumption of green tea increases metabolic rates (by around four percent) and speeds up fat oxidation in humans at rest. So, next time you're reaching for a soda or cup of coffee, opt for a mug of green tea instead. It may just help you burn calories!

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6. Nuts
Nuts are a solid snack because they're loaded with protein, good fats, and fiber, each of which help you feel fuller longer. But, be careful because nuts are also notoriously high in calories (160 to 170 calories per one-ounce serving) so it's easy to eat too many and negate their benefits as a weight-loss-enhancing option. Be sure to count out or weigh a single one-ounce serving (around 22 almonds, 14 walnuts, 16 cashews, or 44 pistachios) before snacking.


7. Lean Turkey
Since the human body has to work hardest to digest and process protein (about 25% more energy is required to process protein than fat), foods high in protein are the best for boosting your metabolism. Adding a bit of lean meat like turkey to each meal is the best way to maintain the metabolism boosting benefits of the food.


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