Hello Healthy

The Best Snacks For Weight Loss

1. Mozzarella sticks

You know how the classic mozzarella sticks recipe is not that healthy choice for two reasons:

First they’re usually covered in breadcrumbs, and second they’re fried.

Well, what about rolling them into a grounded seeds mixture instead of the breadcrumbs, and baking them in the oven on a baking sheet?

Well that’s a pretty healthier option.

I rolled them in eggs and then in grounded sunflower and flax seed mixture, spiced with oregano and sea salt.

And they tasted amazing, you have to try them.

Bake them for 15 minutes in a preheated oven, or until they turn golden.

2. Cucumber Circles With Hummus

Cucumber is one of the healthiest snacks you can get, because it’s 90% water.

Peel it nicely, cut in thin bands, and serve it together with your favorite hummus recipe.

I got a Hummus Cookbook a few months ago and it helped me learn so many healthy recipes, how to combine it and simple ways to do it right.

If you’re not into cooking, here’s my favorite hummus I order from Amazon – it’s clean, organic and with with every ingredient on point 🙂

It’s a great combo, you’re going to love it!

3. Seed Crackers

I’ve tried many seed cracker recipes, but my all time favorite is the one with peanuts.

You’re going to need:

200 grams of baked unsalted peanuts
60 grams sunflower seeds
30 grams flax seeds
30 grams sesame seeds
2 egg whites
2-3 teaspoons Himalayan salt
20 ml water

Blend all the seeds, and then mix them together with the other ingredients.

Place them on a baking sheet, and bake them 10-15 minutes on a preheated 180 degrees oven.

You can add other spices by choice.

4. Jerky

Beef or turkey, jerky is a great snack.

It’s a good source of protein and it takes a bit of mouth-power to eat, so you’ll find yourself more satisfied.

As long as you double check for the hidden sugars i your next package, you’re all set.

Here’s my favorite Jerky beef.

5. Spicy roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are such a great idea to satisfy your snacking cravings in any part of the day.

They’re salty, crunchy, spicy, and yet, healthy.

The only ingredients you’re going to need are:

chickpeas (canned or home boiled)
olive oil
spices

So, preheat the oven to 230°C.

Toss the chickpeas and olive oil together in a large bowl until the chickpeas are lightly coated and then stir in the spices, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and minced garlic, and mix the nicely.

Spread them onto a baking sheet, and pop in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring the pan halfway through.

You’ll know they’re done when they shrink up a little bit, and get crunchy on the outside.

Or, if you’re not into cooking anything at all you can find them on the market, here’re my favorite chickpeas you can have on the go.

6. Roasted chestnuts

I love chestnuts!

Boiled or roasted – they’re the perfect snack to satisfy the cravings.

Preheat your oven to 180°C and place the chestnuts in a single layer on a baking tray.

The important thing here is you have to cut your slit into the chestnut before putting them on the pan.

Bake them for 15-25 minutes, it all depends on how large they are.

You don’t even have to sprinkle salt over them, because they are really delicious on their own.

Make sure to not eat more than a cup of them – they’re not that low in carbs, but they’re filled with fibers and pretty healthy.

7. Pistachios

Pistachios are tiny, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch.

They contain protein, fiber and a wealth of vitamins and minerals.

Adding pistachios to your healthy eating plan is a great idea for weight loss, healthy body and heart.

A hand or two for snacks will set you up, just make sure to look for pistachios that are roasted without salt or with sea or Himalayan salt, to keep these nuts as nutritious as possible.

8. Baby carrots with curry dip

This is a great snack for those who love dips.

The curry dip is my all time favorite, you just have to mix full fat Greek yogurt, mustard and a teaspoon of curry.

You can add any other spices by choice to this base, and it will still taste amazing while dipping with your baby carrots.

9. Green Beans Fries

People say if your food is green, your food is good 🙂

Well, depending on this, my next snack idea is pretty good because is all green, and yet so delicious.

What you should do is place the green beans into a larger bowl, pour olive oil, salt and spices you like and a little bit of Parmesan, and stir everything well.

Add them on a baking sheet and bake them on 200°C until they turn into chips.

You can do this same thing on almost every veggie, and they will taste amazing.

10. Frozen Blueberry yogurt bites

If you have a sweet tooth, and don’t want to ruin your weight loss efforts, this might be a great thing to try.

This is actually one of the best desert snack for weight loss.

You’re going to need:

1 pint container blueberries
1 cup sugar free Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon stevia

Stir together the yogurt and the stevia and gently fold in the blueberries to coat in the yogurt. Scoop them up with a fork, and place them on a baking sheet, making sure not to have them touch.

Freeze them for about an hour, and get ready to snack!

11. Unsalted Peanuts

Peanuts are not that bad of a choice, as long as you watch the portion and make sure they’re not loaded with sodium.

If so, try to pick baked ones, spiced with Himalayan or sea salt, and you’re all set.

12. Paprika Sticks With Guacamole

This is my number 1 snack when it comes to having some friends over.

Just mix up your favorite guacamole recipe, cut out paprika sticks and start dipping.

You can combine paprika sticks with curry sauce too, they’re the number one snack when it comes to loading up with Vitamin C too.

13. Cottage Cheese

I like to refer to it as my fit ice-cream.

If you can’t make it to dinner, cottage cheese might be the perfect fit.

Just make sure you choose a low-sodium brand, because others can really sneak in the salt.

14. Sunflower Seeds

This is so contagious, once you start snacking it’s so hard to stop.

Buy sunflower seeds with the shell (these are sea salted) and feel free to snack a whole cup.

Seeds and nuts are not dangerous at all of you workout daily and if you eat low carb, sugar free foods.

15. Parmesan Roasted tomatoes

This snack idea is an easy and fast one, you have to try it.

You just need:

a couple of tomatoes
Parmesan
spices.

First, rinse the tomatoes and slice them into halves.

Toss gently with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the tomatoes on a baking paper, and top them with grated Parmesan cheese.

Roast for about 15-20 minutes on 200°C on preheated oven, or until the Parmesan cheese melted and the top is slightly browned.

16. Almonds

Almonds are the perfect quick and easy weight loss snack.

By including a hand or two as a snack, you will also consume a healthy amount of fiber, which will satisfy your hunger, and promote your weight loss.

17. Home Baked Zucchini chips

Home baked chips are my personal favorite.

Especially dehydrated zucchini, they’re the best.

What you should do is cut the zucchini in thin slices, toss in a little bit of olive oil, Himalayan salt and pepper.

I use the veggie cutter I ordered from amazon and they turn out great!

Bake for 30 minutes on a preheated 230°C. You can do this with almost every veggie you want.

18. Asparagus Bacon Sticks

This yummy snack is one you have to try if you haven’t tried yet.

They’re so easy to make, you just need to roll the asparagus sticks in slices of bacon, and bake them for a few minutes, or just until the bacon gets crispy.

Some fry them in a pan, but believe me they’re much better if you oven roast them on a baking paper.

Yumm!

19. Cashews

Cashew nuts are nutritionally much the same as other nuts.

They are high in healthy fat, rich in vitamin E and a good source of minerals, particularly magnesium and zinc.

You can have a hand or two, and never question the choice you’ve made, because they’re delicious and nutritious.

20. Celery peanut butter sticks

And last, but definitely not least of my snacks for weight loss, are my celery peanut butter sticks.

They are so easy to make and still so crunchy and mouth watering.

Prepare a few sticks of celery with a thin layer of peanut butter over it.

I use the Nuts ‘N More peanut butter, it is healthy and it contains added protein in it – which I just LOVE!

You can sprinkle sunflower seeds over them, and they’ll taste so amazing.

This is a low carbs snack you have to try, or even better prepare to your fit friends, they’re gonna love it!

Sources

START WITH: CHAIR POSE

Start with feet slightly apart, inhale, and raise your arms straight overhead so your palms face in and your triceps are next to your ears. Exhale and bend your knees, pushing your butt back and lowering toward the floor as though sitting in a chair. Your torso will naturally lean slightly forward over the thighs; try to keep your shoulders down and back. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding the position for five breaths.

Works your: thighs, butt, abs, hips, arms

MAKE IT HARDER: CHAIR POSE WITH A TWIST

Hold chair pose, but rather than keeping arms straight overhead, lower them to chest level as you lower your legs. Then, bring your hands together as if they're in prayer, and twist your upper body to the right so that your left elbow comes to rest gently on your right thigh. Keep abs tight, continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding the position for five breaths. Inhale and straighten your knees to return to start, then switch sides.

Works your: thighs, butt, abs, obliques, hips, shoulders, upper back

START WITH: DOWNWARD-FACING DOG

Start on the floor on your hands and knees, knees hip-width apart and hands directly under the shoulders. Spread your fingers wide and press your weight firmly across your hands and into the mat. Exhale as you tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor. Reaching your pelvis up toward the ceiling and pushing your butt to the wall behind you, slowly straighten your legs (without locking your knees). Push your chest back toward the wall behind you, relax your neck, and let your heels drop as close to the floor as they can get. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding for 5 or more breaths.

Works your: legs, arms, shoulders, upper back, abs

MAKE IT HARDER: DOWN-DOG SPLIT, KNEE-TO-NOSE

From downward-facing dog, inhale and lift your left leg as high as you can behind you while keeping your hips square. Exhale and slowly bring your left knee to your nose, drawing your belly in toward your spine. On your next inhale, lift your leg back up to down-dog split. Repeat 5 times, then switch sides and repeat.

Works your: legs, arms, shoulders, upper back, abs, butt

START WITH: WARRIOR I

Start in downward-facing dog, then step your right foot forward between your hands so that you are in a low runner's lunge. Turn your left heel slightly outward (so the toes point to your other leg), drawing left hip forward and right hip back so they stay square. Engage your abs and lift up into a high lunge, while lifting arms up, palms facing or touching. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding for five breaths. Return to downward-facing dog; switch legs and repeat.

Works your: legs, hips, butt, arms, shoulders, chest, abs, back

MAKE IT HARDER: WARRIOR III

From Warrior I, keep your abs tight and lower chest toward your right knee (placing your weight in the right leg), and lift left leg to bring your body parallel with the ground. Extend your arms out in front, shoulders away from the ears, with palms facing or touching (you can also rest your hands on your hips). Look down and point the crown of your head forward and the heel of your foot back, as if you were pushing against a wall. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding for five breaths. Lower your left leg and return to Warrior I; switch legs and repeat. Pro tip: if you need help with balance, practice with a chair in front of you that you can lightly hold whenever you need.

Works your: ankles, legs, arms, shoulders, back, abs, hips

START WITH: SUPERMAN

Lie facedown with legs together, forehead resting on mat, arms out in front of you with palms down. Squeezing your abs and butt, lift arms and legs directly up, holding your upper and lower body off the ground (your weight should rest on your lower belly and pelvis). Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding for 5 or more breaths.

Works your: back, chest, shoulders, arms, butt, hamstrings, abs

MAKE IT HARDER: BOW POSE

Lie facedown, forehead resting on mat, arms on the floor by your sides, palms up. Exhale and bend your knees, bringing heels as close to your butt as you can. Reach back and take hold of your ankles, keeping knees hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your chest and thighs off the floor, pushing heels away from your butt. Make sure to keep your lower back relaxed, pressing your shoulder blades down and back. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding for 5 or more breaths. Slowly lower and release your ankles to return to start.

Works your: back, chest, shoulders, arms, abs, legs, hips

MAKE IT HARDER: PLANK ARM-LEG LIFT

This is the same move as before, except you'll be in plank instead of tabletop! Start in plank position, hands directly under shoulders. Engage your abs and, keeping a flat back, lift your left leg up behind you and your right arm out in front of you. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding the position for 3 to 5 breaths. Pro tip: to make it easier, start with your feet slightly apart rather than together.

Works your: abs, butt, upper back

START WITH: TABLETOP ARM-LEG LIFT

Start on the floor on your hands and knees, knees hip-width apart and hands directly under the shoulders. Engage your abs and, keeping a flat back, straighten your left leg and lift it behind you, squeezing your glutes. At the same time, extend your right arm straight in front of you. Continue to take deep inhales and exhales; work your way up to holding the position for 3 to 5 breaths.

Works your: abs, butt, upper back

Sources

These are the 9 frugal tips I used on my budget weight loss journey. In fact, in the first six weeks alone, I lost ten pounds!

1. Snooze to Lose.

The link between sleep deprivation and weight gain has been pretty well publicized over the last couple of years. Lack of sleep may make it harder to control appetite and also leave you with less energy to exercise.

Try to get seven or eight hours of sleep each night. You’ll need even more if you’re pregnant, wake frequently, or haven’t been getting enough sleep for a while.

I certainly have put this to the test over the last several years with nighttime parenting my two little ones. I also suffer from insomnia even when they aren’t waking me up.

I knew I had to make sleep a priority.

First, I worked on getting my toddler to sleep through the night.

Then, I set an alarm on my FitBit to remind me to get ready for bed at 8:30 pm, and I try to have lights out by 9. (Use an alarm on any device if you don’t have a FitBit.)

I also knew screen time and thoughts about work kept me from falling asleep, so that was the first to go. I now rarely watch TV or use my phone or computer before bed.

My husband got me a Kindle Paper White for my birthday this year, so now I can read before bed without interfering with my sleep.

2. Lose the weight off your shoulders first.

Stress related to work, personal relationships, life constraints, and finances are all associated with weight gain. Whatever the source, identify it and find ways to eliminate stress.

Interestingly, stress about being able to pay the bills is linked to weight gain.

Take a few minutes to set specific financial goals and reduce your stress. I felt such an immediate sense of relief when I did this years ago.

I’m 100% terrible, the worst, at letting go when I’m stressed out, so I knew I needed to make this a priority.

I started doing 10 minutes of simple deep breathing and relaxation in the afternoons after I put my kids down for their nap with the free Headspace app.

Meditation can help improve self-controllong after you complete the exercise (think avoiding food cravings and exercising more) and, of course, reduces stress.

This might sound a bit woo-woo, but I’ve found it’s not that different from the relaxation practice I did to prepare for my natural childbirths.

If nothing else, it gives me a much-needed rest in the middle of the day!

These are the 9 frugal tips I used on my budget weight loss journey. A sensible, realistic, budget friendly plan. In the first six weeks, I lost ten pounds!

Save

3. Slow it Down

Eating slower and chewing more can help you eat less and feel more satisfied after eating.

Along with relaxation, I now take more time to sit down and enjoy meals, eating slowly. This is hard to do as a busy mom, I know.

But I also think of it as a good example to set for my children. Or maybe they’re setting the example for me. We all know how long it takes a toddler to finish dinner!

Since beginning the habit of eating slower, I often notice I’m full a lot sooner and end up eating less than I put on my plate because I’m just not hungry for it.

4. Wash it All Away.

Steam baths could help you lose weight by aiding your relaxation as well as detoxification.

This form of sweating for weight loss is so much more tempting than exercise, to me at least!

I add some Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils every time I manage to fit in one of these relaxing baths.

5. Water, the secret to weight loss?

People who have lost weight and kept it offsay hydration is one key to their success.

Fortunately, drinking extra water costs almost nothing, so it’s worth a try.

Drinking enough water can be a struggle as a busy mom. I’m distracted with the needs of my little ones and don’t even realize I’m thirsty until after the kids go to bed.

To help with this, I tally my glasses of water on my morning routine checklist or on my Fitbit app to make sure I’m getting enough.

Sleep, relaxation, drinking water, and detox baths are some of the most pleasant and frugal ways to boost your health and weight loss.

While they can be tough to fit into our busy lives, it’s worth it.

The next four tips focus on small changes in what we eat that could make a big differencein weight loss success, and they can all be done on a budget.

Save

6. Cut the Junk

In phase one, I cut out sugar and all other sweeteners.

Well, when you cut out all sugar, you’ll realize this leads to removing most processed food from your diet. Sugar is almost everywhere in pre-made foods!

While it might seem eating healthier whole foods costs a fortune, you can actually save money on groceries even without eating packaged foods or clipping coupons.

Needless to say, cutting out processed junk makes it challenging to eat out, so this tip helps your budget even more.

In addition, cut out more toxins and try to eat as many organically grown foods as you can fit in your budget.

You can save money on healthy, natural foods, often for the same price as conventionally-grown, by creatively sourcing your food and buying in bulk.

Cutting out processed foods is also an easy way to remove all the traces of unhealthy oils, artificial colors, flavorings, and junk they contain.

Some even believe food companies engineer processed foods to be addictive, so it’s not hard to see how switching to a real food diet alone can turn your weight loss story into a success.

7. Go Vegetarian, maybe.

One of the biggest concerns people have, when they ask me about saving on groceries, is cutting out meat to save money.

They’re sure they and their kids will be starving all the time. And I have to say I had the exact same worry.

Previous to cutting out sugar and processed foods, I would always feel hungry and unsatisfied after a vegetarian meal, so those were always rare in our house.

After being off sugar for several weeks, however, I felt satisfied and energized after my meatless meals. I think this is a sign of stabilizing blood sugar and overall health.

Be sure to include protein and slow burning carbs like beans or lentils to your meatless meals, and enjoy!

This is another tip that may both help you save money and lose weight.

Save

8. Avoid Allergens.

Some doctors believe food allergies can cause weight gain.

Consider removing some of the top allergens from your diet for a time to see if this helps with your weight loss and brings relief to other symptoms you might be having.

Common allergies and sensitivities include:

Dairy
Eggs
Peanut
Soy
Wheat & Gluten
Tree nuts
Fish & Shellfish

Allergy-friendly packaged foods are expensive. Instead, avoid processed foods and plan your meals ahead of time. This will help you stick to your allergy-free diet and your budget.

If I were to guess, this made the biggest impact on my weight loss.

I already ate healthy, real food before starting any kind of diet. Even after I gave up sugar and processed foods and increased my fiber and veggie intake, I only lost a couple pounds.

When I cut out the top five from the list above the scale really started to move.

I now use the mySymptoms Food Diary appto track and analyze all my food, energy, sleep, and other symptoms.

I hope this will give me some new insights into my health and weight, and allow me to add some of these foods back in long term.

9. Stop the Snack Attack.

Try giving yourself an eating curfew a few hours before bedtime. This is a common recommendation for boosting your metabolism and improving sleep, and it’s one more free weight loss trick to try.

This makes logical sense. As most of us aren’t known for having the most discipline in the late night hours, night time snacking tends to get less and less healthy.

Each night after dinner, I go in and brush my teeth to signify to myself that eating is done for the day.

Sources

Pages

1. Mozzarella sticks

2. Cucumber Circles With Hummus

3. Seed Crackers

4. Jerky

5. Spicy roasted chickpeas

6. Roasted chestnuts

7. Pistachios

8. Baby carrots with curry dip

9. Green Beans Fries

10. Frozen Blueberry yogurt bites

11. Unsalted Peanuts

12. Paprika Sticks With Guacamole

13. Cottage Cheese

14. Sunflower Seeds

15. Parmesan Roasted tomatoes

16. Almonds

17. Home Baked Zucchini chips

18. Asparagus Bacon Sticks

19. Cashews

20. Celery peanut butter sticks

2. Lose the weight off your shoulders first.

3. Slow it Down

4. Wash it All Away.

5. Water, the secret to weight loss?

6. Cut the Junk

7. Go Vegetarian, maybe.

8. Avoid Allergens.

9. Stop the Snack Attack.

Nancy Rosado

Follow Us

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

Instagram