How to Snack While Dieting

Question: I love chips, are healthy variety of chips good alternatives for mid-morning and afternoon snacks?

Afternoon: Simple Answer… No.

When you diet, there are a few things that you want to do. You want to eat frequent meals to keep your metabolism up, and keep yourself from feeling “starving”. You also want to meal prep to keep nutritious food within arms reach to keep from eating fast food and other horrible food.

When dieting, the dieter needs to watch out for carbs. Carbs need to be consumed upon waking up and around post workout. The rest of the day should be low carb. Why? Carbs, especially simple carbs, spike insulin. When you are sitting at your desk, and insulin is spiked, it leads to fat storage. Carbs also hold 3 grams of water per gram of carbohydrate. 6 ounces of chips can make you gain over a pound total, and although most will be water weight, some of this will be stored as fat.

What should you eat instead?

• Nuts: Nuts are full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. All of which are great for dieting, heart health, keeping you full, and lean muscle.
• Greek Yogurt: I like Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt because it has 15 grams of protein, 0 fat, and 14 carbs (6 fiber).
• 1st Phorm Level-1 Protein Shake- My breakfast everyday. Less than 140 calories, 24 grams of protein, and keeps me full for hours. It is muscle in a bottle. Order here with free shipping: https://1stphorm.com/a/products/protein-powder/meal-replacement-proteins/level-1a_aid=nutritiontrain

Summary:

Stay away from carbs when snacking. Eat protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

 

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Good luck!

 

Dustin Holston

Personal Trainer/Sports Nutritionist