Your Guide to the Weight Loss Munchies
Whether they are a regular companion or an occasional visitor, the munchies can strike any of us at any moment. They can sneak up on you and give you an urge for a little crunch, something sweet, a salty bite, or a creamy treat. If you are caught off guard, you can end up eating way more than you should. You know what that can lead to: bad news for your weight loss.
You can take control when you get the munchies, though. With some planning and focus, you can keep the calories and sugar within your limits, and keep shedding the pounds. Not only can you avoid weight loss disasters, but you can also get some necessary nutrients such as protein and fiber as you give into the munchies. Here are some ideas on how.
Don’t Crunch the Carbs
Some of the best “crunchables” are carb-laden foods that will not do you any weight loss favors. Pretzels, cheese puffs, chips, and cereal are fun to munch on, but they are nearly pure carbs. They may be off-limits for your weight loss diet, but you can choose a better option.
Instead of crunching pure carbs, choose low-carb alternatives such as Protein Pretzels, Protein Cheese Snacks, Protein Chips, and Protein Cereal. When you get options that also have tons of protein, you’re giving yourself a nutrient that helps fight hunger and boost metabolism. That’s making your munchies work for weight loss!
Make Creamy Treats Your Ally
Sit down with some peanut butter and crackers, and you can wind up with hundreds of calories in a few minutes. The same holds true for ice cream and smoothies because of their combination of sugars, fat, and oversized portions.
You can get your creamy treat without going off your diet with easy swaps. Indulge in some spoonable Protein Pudding, or opt for any number of Protein Smoothies or Shakes. Find chocolate, vanilla, and fruity flavors. They are all low in calories, and creamy to satisfy your cravings.
Sweet Ways to Cut the Sugar
Sometimes you just want sugar, whether you feel like cookies, a candy bar, or some hot chocolate. Unfortunately, caving in too often can lead to effects that show up on your waistline. A single chocolate chip cookie or candy bar can have 200 to 300 calories, for example, not to mention an excessive amount of sugar combined with a lack of protein.
It is hard to deny yourself when those sweet cravings strike, and you do not have to. There are ways to get your sweet fix while staying on your diet. A Protein Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Cookie is a safe and satisfying bet, while a protein bar flavored with chocolate, caramel, peanut, toffee, or cheesecake can easily do the trick instead of a candy bar. Feel like hot chocolate? No problem – whether you like classic, vanilla cappuccino, mocha, or mint, you can get your protein while you sip your nearly sugarless drink.
Try Your Own Recipe Swaps
You can always take control by making your own version using healthier ingredients. For example, you can satisfy an ice cream craving by savoring some frozen pureed banana. Or skip the tortilla chips and creamy dip, and instead dip your Protein Chips into salsa or a dip made with Greek yogurt instead of full fat cream cheese.
The urge to snack can be one of the biggest challenges to losing weight since all kinds of snack foods are high in calories, sugar, and fat, but you can still come out ahead when the munchies strike. Choose small portions of delicious and convenient substitutes to satisfy your cravings for unhealthy choices, and you will be well on your way to easier weight loss.
