Snacking and weight loss don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, a healthy weight-loss plan will include mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks to keep your blood sugar levels on an even keel. There’s actually no snack that can literally ‘burn fat’ while you eat it, but there are food combinations that can help your body operate at its best while building lean muscle and increasing calorie burn. Read on for some of our favorites.
Half a chicken pita sandwich
Combine skinned, boneless chicken breast with baby spinach, and sliced red bell peppers, dress with a low-fat vinaigrette, and stuff into whole-grain pita bread. Eat half in the morning, and half in the afternoon for healthy snacking.
Walnut and pear toast
Spread a slice of sourdough bread with low-fat cottage cheese, then top it with pear slices and chopped, toasted walnuts. Divide in half for two snacks, or have whole for breakfast.
Asparagus and hard-boiled egg
Steam or microwave 15 asparagus spears, and combine them with one hard-boiled egg for a protein-rich snack that’s also full of fiber. It will keep you full for longer because of the protein content.
Zucchini Rounds
These colorful little snacks are festive enough for a dinner party, but also great for a bite-sized snack for when the munchies hit you. Simply top seasoned zucchini rounds with a piece of sundried tomato, a blob of goat’s cheese, and snipped chives. Drizzle with little olive oil and pop into your mouth.
