Traqade
Don’t we all agree that going on a diet is always easier said than done? Hunger pangs between meals are always met but not always wisely dealt with. Now, there is good news for you as we share with you a huge variety of foods that can actually help you feel fuller for longer without disturbing your diet plan. Contrary to popular belief, a low-calorie foods neither have to be bland, nor less fulfilling. Besides, shorter snacking between large meals is considered to be effective in weight loss and helps in improving digestion. Hence, here we bring you healthier choices to snacking that you can binge on without any overpowering feeling of guilt and regret afterwards.
The trick is to think ‘protein’, ‘fiber‘, and ‘water’. Foods with these three, or any one of these, weight loss components will fill you up without filling you with unwanted calories or remorse.
Oatmeal
This is a classic; it never gets old and it always works. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and oatmeal contains both soluble fiber, which keeps your cholesterol levels in check, and insoluble fiber, which keeps you fuller for longer. Prepare it with low-fat or fat-free milk, add a spoonful of honey, and begin your weekday mornings with a bang!
Black Rice
While most of us have moved from white rice to brown for calorie-counting purposes, the lesser known black rice, also known as purple rice, is packed with high levels of antioxidants and fiber. It carries relatively fewer calories than does its white and brown counterparts. A half cup of cooked black rice contains just about 90 calories as compared to 109 in brown and 200 in white!
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Peas and Beans
Chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, black beans, etc. are always a good thing to stock up for rainy days. They are excellent sources of fiber, antioxidants, carbs, and nutrients and there are endless options of dishes you can use them in: soups, stews, salads, wraps, and more! These delicious legumes will not only fill you up but also hit every note in your palate.
Soup
Studies show that people who had soup before their meals tend to consume fewer calories at mealtime than when they hadn’t. It eases (not diminishes!) the appetite and stops you from overeating. No MSG laden, ready-to-make, sodium heavy versions, but go for a homemade, broth-based, veggie-rich concoction. Enjoy the aroma before indulging in the taste and feel your hunger pangs fade away!
Butterfruit Salad
Butterfruit (or avocado) is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber, and studies show that people who have half a butterfruit with their lunch tend to feel less of the urge to snack between meals than on days when they don’t have it. It also makes a beautiful salad item, mixed with all your favorite veggies and lean protein (chicken, turkey, etc.), ready for you to snack on anytime you feel hunger kicking in.
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The list goes on – dry fruits and nuts, green smoothies, apples, bananas, pears, berries, Greek yogurt, eggs, salmon, turkey, etc. You never have to go hungry again for fear of gaining more calories. Put on your thinking cap and start cooking up your own ideas for fulfilling, low-calorie, mid-day snacks for you and your family!
