By Katy Peterson
Maintaining your metabolism throughout the day with small, sensible meals and snacks is crucial for fat loss. In theory, this is straightforward: eat a small amount every 3-4 hours. However, many people struggle with doing this in a beneficial way for their individual body and end up gaining weight.
The content of your snacks and small meals is critically important. Eating the wrong foods every 3-4 hours can cause weight gain, contrary to the goal of losing fat and reducing clothing sizes.
Here are 3 essential snacking tips to help you stay on track and burn fat throughout the day:
Snacking Tip #1: Avoid Added Sugar
Sugar is the main culprit in fattening snacks, so it’s the first nutrient to check. Your snacks should contain minimal or no added sugars. Many so-called ‘health’ foods are loaded with added sugars, which can sabotage your progress. Protein bars, jerky, dried fruit, green juice, and trail mix often have hidden sugars and preservatives that should be avoided. Opt for snacks that are low in added sugars and provide a good mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
Snacking Tip #2: Pay Attention to Serving Size
If your snack comes in a package, ensure it isn’t loaded with sugar first, then check the serving size. Food manufacturers often list nutritional information for multiple servings in a package you’re likely to consume entirely. If a package contains more than one serving, calculate the total calories, sugar, carbs, fat, and protein. Ensure these numbers align with your nutritional goals. Be mindful of how many servings you’re consuming in one sitting and do the math if necessary.
Snacking Tip #3: Homemade and Natural Foods Are Best
While packaged health snacks are convenient, you’ll achieve better results by eating whole foods or homemade snacks made with real ingredients. Even the healthiest store-bought protein bars contain preservatives and additives that homemade snacks do not. Choose options like a handful of raw nuts, a piece of fruit with fresh nut butter, hard-boiled eggs, a homemade fitness muffin, or chicken breast with veggies. Whenever possible, stick to whole foods found in nature and homemade snacks.
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Photo by Jannis Brandt on Unsplash
