Throughout the day, you find yourself feeling a little twinge of hunger before dinner.
When you're dieting, it's important to make sure you address your snacks.
Snacks can cost you a lot of unnecessary calories but with some smart choices you an stay on your program and feel satisfied.
Here are some alternatives to the high-calorie, high-fat options you may have been eating: Instead of...
- Try...
Potato chips - Baked chips, popcorn, rice cakes, veggies Candy bar -Raisins, nuts, and other dried fruit Regular soda - Diet soda or flavored water Ice cream - Yogurt, string cheese Cookies - Small square of dark chocolate Sugary cereal - Whole grain cereal Milkshake - Protein shake Cake - Piece of fruit In general, you should try to eat natural foods for your snacks instead of processed foods that contain extra calories, fat, and preservatives.
Snacks that are high in protein and/or fiber also make good choices.
Avoid snacks that may appear to be healthy, but really contain a lot of sugar.
For example, many granola bars are full of fat, sugar, and preservatives.
They may look healthy, but really they're not the best choice.
You should also watch out for products such as fat-free cookies and cakes.
Even though they don't contain fat, they still contain plenty of calories.
In fact many fat-free products contain more sugar than their fat containing counterparts.
If you really want to have a treat, it's better to try having a smaller portion of something you really like.
For example, instead of eating a full-size candy bar, try having a fun size bar.
It will still provide the same flavor you're craving, but it won't have the same number of calories.