If you're on a diet and attempting to lose weight, it's tempting to skip meals in the hopes of sailing through your day invigorated, focused, and free of severe hunger sensations, and knowing which healthy low-calorie snacks to select may be mesmerising.
Hunger is your body's method of informing you that your blood sugar levels are low and that you need to eat to meet your energy needs. It transmits these signals via symptoms that are difficult to ignore, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, weariness, lethargy, and an overall sense of anxiety. We've all had that sensation, which is sometimes referred to as "hangry" owing to the behavioural consequences.
If there's one thing that will undermine your weight-loss attempts, it'll be giving in to those hungry pains without thinking or planning and grabbing for the first unhealthy choice from the vending machine or shop. While this can satisfy your needs in the short term, you'll soon find yourself hungry again, and the cycle can easily repeat itself throughout the day, despite the high calorie count you'll end up ingesting.
Instead, look for nutritious low-calorie snacks that will not only help you meet your weight-loss objectives, but will also keep you satisfied for longer and, most importantly, will feed your body and support your overall health.
When hunger strikes, you're more likely to grab a high-calorie unhealthy snack if you don't have the correct low-calorie snacks on hand, whether they're in the fridge at home, at your desk at work, or in your bag if you're on the go.
The good news is that finding delicious low-calorie snacks that are also high in nutrients is simpler than you would think. However, before you grab anything, you should first drink a big glass of water or a lukewarm herbal tea....and then wait 10-15 minutes. Thirst is sometimes misinterpreted as hunger when, in reality, you are merely dehydrated and thirsty. This basic "rule" will aid in determining whether or not this is the case.
What are the healthy low-calorie snacks?
If you're always hungry, eating low-calorie snacks to tide you over until your next meal can help you remain on track. Here are some healthy low-calorie snacks to try:
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1. Green Vegetables that Burn Energy
Vegetables, unsurprisingly, are at the top of the list of nutritious, low-calorie meals that satiate hunger. Vegetables are rich in insoluble fibre, which means your body will use more energy processing these indigestible chemicals, causing you to burn more calories just by eating them. Try kale chips, particularly handmade, or a salad of softly cooked broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower with a lemon vinaigrette. Cruditées like carrots, celery, and cucumber sticks with a big dollop of homemade hummus or yoghurt/herb dip are also a wonderful option.
2. Fruits with a Sugar Boost
When your blood sugar levels are low, it's critical to refill them with fruits and vegetables, but fruits, in particular, will give you the sugar boost you need. Fruits, on the other hand, contain a lot of fibre, which helps to slow down the release of sugars, preventing sugar spikes and subsequent troughs. Pears, bananas, and grapes, for example, are heavy in sugar and hence high in calories. It's crucial to choose the right fruits; apples and citrus fruits deliver a sugar rush while remaining low in calories.
3. Eggs, Eggs, and More Eggs!
Eggs, which are high in protein and low in calories, are an excellent way to satisfy cravings and keep you feeling fuller for longer while also supplying a variety of other critical nutrients. Boiled eggs are a great "on-the-go" snack when paired with crudité veggies such as peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks. Make some handmade veggie muffins with eggs, spinach, red peppers, and feta cheese if you have time ahead of time, or try these flourless Sweet Potato Frittata muffins for a pleasantly filling snack on the move, but don't make them too big.
4. Soups and Broths
Soup is an excellent method to rehydrate while also improving your vitamin intake. Soups made with broth or clear consommé, especially those laden with fiber-rich veggies, can fill you up without ingesting too many calories. When buying store-bought versions, study the ingredients list carefully to guarantee low sugar levels, either from added sugar or from too many starchy vegetables, which will increase the calorie count.
5. Oats porridge
Porridge oats, cooked with water or semi-skimmed milk, are a pleasantly fulfilling snack as a high-fiber grain. A liberal sprinkling of cinnamon mimics the sweetness of sugar without the calories, and studies suggest that it may help improve insulin function and stabilise blood sugar variations.
