by Jennifer Kirkman

Created on: June 28, 2010

Snacks are sometimes said to hinder the progress of a diet, but really, this is anything but true. Snacks on the other hand, are what makes you stay on plan, and keeps you from becoming ravenously hungry while you are trying to lose your weight. Any weight loss plan that recommends eating snacks in between your main meals is sensible in my estimation. Plans that deprive you of all snacks are ones to stay away from. You aren't going to stay with a diet that deprives you for long. You want something to keep you full and satisfied all day long. Being hungry all of the time while losing your weight is going to make you tired, and very cranky, no doubt. You need steady satisfaction while you are on the road to losing weight.

There are healthy ways in which you can snack, and still watch the scales go down in your favor. Choose small snacks that are low in calories and fat, and try not to go over 200 calories per snack at a time. For example, in the morning, eat a healthful breakfast starting with a whole-grain cereal or oats, a slice of whole wheat toast, and 1/2 cup of orange juice. This will give you the energy and fullness you need to keep going for awhile. It is now 10:30 A.M, about two and a half hours after breakfast. You may be starting to feel a bit hungry. You can eat what I call a "mini snack" such as a slice of whole wheat toast with diet jam, or one granola bar. Keep your serving size small! This should tie you over until lunchtime.

At noon, which is when most people go for lunch or eat at home. Have a nice healthy lunch including some fresh vegetables steamed, include some protein, as well as whole grain starches. A lunch that includes those nutrients should be satisfying for you, but at about 2:30, you will need some extra fuel to keep you going. Have a toasted English Muffin, a bagel, or maybe a handful of peanuts. Another good snack is kettle corn or rice cakes in controlled portions.  A single serving granola bar is good too. This should tie you over until dinner, and give your body fulfillment in order to go on with your activities until dinnertime.

As a snack before bedtime, and I do believe in snacks before bed, but only in strict moderation which means 100 calories or less, have something like 1/2 cup of low-fat ice cream, or any snack that is 100 calories or less. This should carry you over until the next morning when it is time to start again.

So to summarize things here, snacking is all about control just like your regular meals. As long as you control what you eat, and be mindful about calories going in, then you should still lose your weight, while staying satisfied instead of deprived!

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