Maintaining a healthy body weight is not only important for looking good, but also for improving overall health and preventing the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, etc. The best and most effective way to do it is by introducing healthy changes in the lifestyle and combining a healthy weight loss diet with regular exercise.
Tips to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Weight Loss Diet
Following a few simple tips can bring about a huge difference and help you burn the calories more effectively.
- Target for slow and steady weight loss
- Substitute 3 big meals for 6 small meals
- Include healthy snacks between meals
- Include more fiber rich foods in the diet
- Eat Protein in every meal
- Eliminate sodium from your weight loss diet
- Eat light after evening
Tasty and Healthy Snacks that Help in Weight Loss
There is much truth to the statement “you are what you eat” and it holds true for all of us. While unhealthy diet rich in processed and junk foods leads to weight gain and obesity, a balanced diet that includes healthy meals and snacks aid in maintaining a healthy weight and keeping away diseases.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the most effective healthy snacks for weight loss. Being loaded with proteins, it helps in burning fat and increasing lean muscle mass which is the healthiest way of losing weight. It is best to opt for the low-fat variety instead of the flavored ones for effective results. Including Greek yogurt in high-dairy, energy-restricted diet helps in promoting weight loss and reducing the waist circumference effectively. Add a few pieces of chopped almonds or walnuts to it for the extra boost of energy.
Grapes
Fruits are the perfect food for weight loss. Juicy red and green grapes make the perfect healthy snack options to satisfy your sweet tooth. These refreshing fruits are the ideal low-calorie substitute for unhealthy snacks and desserts rich in salt and sugar. Grapes are low calorie and low energy density fruits and a cup of grapes contain only 62 calories approximately. Being a rich source of water it keeps you hydrated and prevents hunger. Therefore, enjoy a handful of these delicious bite-sized fruits the next time you crave a sweet treat.
Peas and Corn Salad
Pea and corn salad is one of the most effective and easiest salad recipes for weight loss. There is a common misconception that consuming carbohydrates lead to weight gain, but all carbohydrates are not the same. Vegetables such as peas and corn have healthy carbohydrates that are used by the body to produce energy. In addition, these vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers that help in keeping you satiated for longer. Just boil a cup of peas and corn, add a dash of lemon juice, sprinkle a pinch of black pepper powder and salt and enjoy your tasty and healthy snack.
Soy Chips
The health benefits of soybean are well known. Research shows that soy helps in weight loss in an effective manner. Soy chips made from soy are a rich source of soy protein that makes it a perfect food for satiating hunger and preventing mindless craving for unhealthy snacks. In addition, it is a low-carb, high protein food that helps in burning fat and increasing lean muscle mass when combined with regular exercise. It has a low-glycemic index that takes time to be digested in the intestine and prevents any sudden spike in blood glucose level thus preventing the secretion of insulin that stores the excess sugar in the bloodstream as fats.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are one of the best snacks for weight loss. It is easy to carry in your gym bag, and you can enjoy the crunchy, sweet and salty taste of the bars while on the go. Packed with fibers, vitamins and minerals, it helps in keeping you fuller for a longer period and controls hunger pangs and cravings in an effective way. But be careful while choosing and opt for the ones low in sugar and high in fiber and proteins. Grab a healthy and tasty granola bar after sweating it out in the gym.
Vegetable Sticks
Vegetable sticks make a fun and healthy snack option for weight loss. Vegetables are loaded with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and fibers that not only keep you satiated for longer but also help in maintaining overall health. But to add some twist to the same old vegetables they can be chopped in the form of thin sticks and enjoyed with hummus, tomato puree or other delicious dips. Just slice red, green and yellow bell peppers, carrots and celery into thin sticks and enjoy your healthy and tasty snacks.
Fruit Juice Bars
Fruit and vegetable juices help in weight loss and complete detoxification but in order to make things a bit more interesting, you can turn the juice into popsicles. Fresh homemade juices are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and proteins that helps in reducing weight in a healthy way. Consuming a wholesome glass of fruit or vegetable juice 20 minutes before meals helps in reducing hunger so that you don’t overeat. Opt for fresh natural fruit juices because they contain less sugar and preservatives. Peel and put your favorite fruits in the juicer, extract the juice, pour it in popsicle cases and freeze till they turn hard.
Strawberries
Well, we don’t really need any particular reason for enjoying the delicious taste of these ripe red berries, but research shows that strawberries can help in losing weight by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite. The benefits of strawberries for weight loss are numerous. It helps in promoting the secretion of hormones that boost metabolism and speeds up the fat burning process. It reduces hunger and craving by suppressing appetite and regulating the functions of the hormones that help in weight loss. Being a low glycemic fruit it slows down the breakdown of foods in the intestine thereby preventing any sudden spike in blood sugar levels. This is extremely beneficial for those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Substitute the unhealthy carb and sugar-rich snacks with these healthy snack options and fill up the gap between your meals with foods that aid weight loss and improve overall health.
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