When you want to lose weight the healthy way, you know you need to curb your calorie intake. But this doesn’t mean you also need to deprive yourself.
Instead, the goal is to enjoy eating and to feel satisfied by eating regular meals and planned snacks.
Though some fad diets may severely restrict eating and not include snacks, the Personality Type Diet actually encourages planned snacking as a way to tame your hunger and help you stay in control.
Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Time it right. Your Diet.com meal plans include 2 or 3 planned snacks daily. The key to this strategy is all in the timing. When will your snacks do you the most good? Typical times may be late morning, late afternoon and, yes, even after dinner (especially if you’re someone who eats dinner on the early side). Eating at these times can help you approach your next meal time less hungry – so you’re better able to make good diet choices. If you’re unsure of the best timing for your planned snacks, send me a quick email with your eating schedule and daily routine and I can give you some guidance.
2. Portion it out. When we talk about healthy snacking, we’re not referring to reaching into a large bag of chips – as this can quickly lead to overindulging. Instead, have a plan in place to control portions by using already portion controlled snack foods or portioning out your own. Consider a 100 calorie snack pack or pudding cup, or enjoying a fruit snack that comes in its own healthy wrapper like an apple, orange or banana. Use baggies to portion out a serving size of high fiber cereal, almonds or fresh cherries.
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3. Have it with you. Aim to be prepared (as often as possible) and have a healthy snack with you when away from home – whether it be in your car, at work or while out and on the go. When you know you’ll be out during your planned snack time, toss a piece of fruit or Luna bar into your purse or briefcase, or carry a bag of nuts or pretzels with you. That way, you won’t be dependent on the nearest vending machine or fast food drive through. Just make sure to put some healthy snack foods on your weekly grocery shopping list.
4. Match your cravings. We all have cravings now and then. Rather than completely ignoring your cravings, try satisfying them in healthier ways. If chocolate cravings are your downfall, make sure to identify some calorie controlled chocolate treats that will satisfy you without breaking the calorie bank. If you’re craving a salty snack, try microwave popcorn as a healthier alternative to potato chips. If you’re an ice cream lover, try one of the many calorie controlled low fat ice cream or yogurt treats.
I hope these four tips will help you snack smart, boost your health and encourage healthy weight loss in the process.
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