Snacks That Help In Weight Management

July 28, 2006 - So all the exercise and dieting has paid off for swimsuit season, resulting in a slim summer figure. But what happens when habits from fall through spring creep back into our lives? It's hard enough these days to find time to sit down and eat a healthy meal and it can be even more difficult to resist the urge to snack.

Snacking is a part of the American culture, but a huge factor in weight gain, which has raised consciousness of bad snacking habits. So how does a culture known for snacking and obesity find a balance with weight and health awareness? Chicagohealers.com Naturopathic Physician Dr. Melody Hart N.D., Ph.D. believes that regular snacking is not only okay, but can be instrumental in weight management.

"It's not the snacking that's bad," said Hart. "It's what we eat when we snack that makes us gain weight. Believe it or not, there are snack foods that can help us do just the opposite, giving the body immediate energy without weighing it down."

Hart recommends the following healthy snacks that satisfy cravings throughout the day while helping a body maintain a slim figure, naturally:

Goji Berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and vitamin C, and result an insulin-like reaction that is effective in fat decomposition.
Jicama with vitamin C, potassium and fiber is a great low calorie veggie to slice raw for snacks.
Coconut is great as a snack for those with a sweet tooth; coconut oil has manganese copper, zinc and selenium, and is a flavorful way to avoid hydrogenated oils that dangerously raise bad cholesterol while lowering good cholesterol.
Apples are always an easy selection due to the natural sugar, fiber and enzymes.
Nut varieties including Almonds are high in protein, a great brain booster. They are also high in calcium, magnesium and fiber; Walnuts are high in omega 3's, which are highly effective for maintaining heart health.
Millet is a healing food for weight loss, is hypoallergenic and may help with gluten intolerance.
Lettuce has silicon, magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin C and chlorophyll, and is an incredibly low-calorie item, making it the most popular diet food.
Dates are shown to help prevent cancer with vitamin B, phosphorus and niacin.
Yogurt and Kefir is a great choice to get your acidophilus, too.
Amino acids are a healing nutrient found in fish, beef, eggs, buckwheat, avocados and protein drinks, helping in athletic performance and aiding in the reduction of cancer risk.

With these healthy snacking options, you will not only be healthier on a daily basis, you can also satisfy cravings without putting on the pounds when swimsuit season comes to an end.

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