Thirty-Day Plan: Eight Chewy Treats to Attack Deep-Lying Belly Fat
In the quest for weight and fat loss, finding satisfying and nutritious snacks can make all the difference. Tara Collingwood, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, has compiled a list of snacks that can help reduce hunger, stabilize blood sugar, and support muscle mass for effective weight and fat loss.
- Apple slices with almond butter — This sweet and satiating snack combines fruit fiber with healthy fats, aiding satiety and blood sugar stability.
- Hummus with raw veggies (carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers) — This low-calorie, nutrient-dense snack fills you up without excess calories.
- Cottage cheese with cinnamon — High in protein and low in sugar, this snack helps preserve muscle and control hunger. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds flavour without added sugar.
- Hard-boiled eggs — This portable, protein-rich snack helps reduce cravings and maintain muscle.
- A small handful of mixed nuts — Providing healthy fats and protein, this snack choice can help keep you from reaching for less healthy options (portion control is important).
- Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, tofu — These help maintain muscle mass while losing fat.
- Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice — These provide complex carbs that improve satiety and blood sugar control.
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines) — Rich in omega-3s, these fish may reduce inflammation associated with visceral fat and support overall fat loss efforts.
- Air-popped popcorn — This crunchy, filling snack is whole grain, high in fiber, and low in calories if you skip the butter, making it a good choice for weight loss.
- Greek yogurt with berries — This snack is packed with protein and fiber, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes that can lead to overeating.
Collingwood also notes that while you can't spot-reduce belly fat with snacks alone, choosing the right foods can make it easier to control calories and support long-term fat loss. She is the co-author of the "Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies".
In summary, these snack choices balance protein, fiber, and healthy fats to curb hunger, stabilize blood sugar, and support muscle mass preservation during weight loss, as recommended by Collingwood.
- Plant-based healthy recipes, such as the apple slices with almond butter, offer a sweet and satiating option for snacking, promoting satiety and blood sugar stability in weight and fat loss journeys.
- Embracing a diet rich in nutrients, like hummus with raw veggies, can lead to a filled feeling without excessive calories, which can facilitate weight and fat loss efforts.
- Incorporating lean protein sources like chicken, fish, or tofu, along with spices such as cinnamon in cottage cheese, is essential for preserving muscle mass while losing fat during a weight loss diet.
- Experimenting with science-backed health-and-wellness strategies, including exercise, nutrition, and weight-management practices, can contribute to effective weight and fat loss.
- By making informed dietary decisions, such as choosing snacks that provide a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, one can support their weight loss goals while enjoying satisfying snacks like air-popped popcorn or Greek yogurt with berries.
