Top 6 On-The-Go Snacks to Drop Pounds

Today's article is courtesy of Danette May, America's leading healthy lifestyle expert.

The good news is that eating frequently helps keep your metabolism stoked and between meal snacks are your friend but if you’re snacking on the wrong thing, you’re not doing yourself any favors.

The best way to stay on track with your weight loss goals is to make sure that you have great snacks with you all the time. Eating the right snack is a great way to give your body the fuel it needs and keep you from being too hungry before meal time.

What makes a good snack?

You don’t ever want your snack to make you feel like you’re being deprived. It should be something that you feel good about and look forward to eating. That may sound impossible, but it’s not. Here's what you're looking for when you're packing your snacks in a day:

• Full of nutrients. Check out the nutrition label or eat whole foods for your snack. Make sure you're not just loading up with sugar and carbs.
• Filling. The worst thing ever is eating a snack and only feeling hungrier. Focus on snacks that can hold you over until your next meal.
• Tastes good. This should be a given, but snacks that taste good are easier to eat and make us feel great.
• Easy to pack and go. You're on the go so don't bring a snack that will just turn into a hassle to consume. You're more likely to eat it if you don't have to worry about a mess.

We know it's easy to make the list of what to look for, so how about some ideas you can adapt to what you love.

6 Best On-the-Go Snacks

Your Secret Weapon in the battle of the bulge!

Greek Yogurt with Berries and Nuts

Not only is Greek yogurt creamy and delicious, it’s high in protein and helps you feel full for a long time. If you add a few blueberries or raspberries and some almonds, you add just the right blend of sweetness and crunch to make it feel like a treat.

Hummus with Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Have you seen those cute little to-go packages of hummus at the market? A word of advice on those…read the label before you buy. They often contain bad oils like palm or canola so it’s usually best to make your own.

It’s easy to make ahead of time when you’re meal prepping for the week and stores great in a container.

Just blend some chickpeas, garlic, some lemon juice and a little extra virgin olive oil (you can also use water for an oil-free version) in your food processor and voila, you have a healthy snack to enjoy all week. You can play around with adding your favorite flavors and seasonings to make it exactly to your liking.

The protein in a couple of tablespoons of hummus will fill you up fast. It’s high in fiber and low in fat. Add the veggies for crunch and color.

Pistachios or Almonds

Easy to pack, easy to stow, almonds and pistachios are both superfood nuts that will fill you up fast and give you loads of health benefits.

A study out of Temple University showed that women who ate 48 almonds a day for half a year lost 12 pounds. They also had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Tuna and Cuke Slices

Convenient packets of tuna are a healthy and satisfying snack. Make sure you grab the water packed cans or pouches.

Skip the crackers and opt for a healthier crunch by topping cucumber slices with savory tuna instead. Add chunks of celery or carrots for crunch.

If you’re one to always opt for the tuna salad, you can simply replace the mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado to give it that creamier consistency. Seriously yummy and filling.

Apples and Cheese or Peanut Butter

Apples are still one of the all-star foods when it comes to healthy eating. Their sweet taste and crisp texture are great for a mid-day snack. If you add a few slices of cheese or smears of peanut butter you have the perfect sweet and salty mix.

Plus, you’ve given yourself the extra protein you need to make you feel full for a while.

Hardboiled Egg

The egg really is one of the world’s most perfect foods. A hard-boiled egg is easy to pack, high in protein and other nutrients, and filling. You can make a bunch of them at once so you always have them handy.

Yours in health and happiness,
Danette

P.S. If you like these snack ideas, you’ll LOVE Danette’s recipe book with over 150 easy to make, super yummy and oh-so-healthy recipes! Click here to order –> Bikini Body Recipes.