Everyone likes to snack whether they admit it or not. Finding really healthy snacks for weight loss can be difficult though. When you are trying to lose weight, the urge for snacking magically seems to increase.
Yes, there are healthy snacks that are more like ‘parrot food’ if you like seeds and here at healthy eating facts we advocate several types. Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds are really healthy options that are high in minerals and vitamins. But when you are in a snacking mood you naturally want something more ‘naughty’. That is the whole point of snacking – Isn’t it?
So, what ‘proper snacks’ can you have with a twist to turn them into healthy snacks for weight loss. Normal enough to satisfy your snack cravings yet healthy enough so that it compliments your weight loss program.
Here are a few suggestions for you. Each one is a healthy snack and will not adversely affect you weight loss goals.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels are a tasty and healthy snack. Anything with chocolate has to be high in your snacking priority list, it certainly is on mine.
Melt half a cup of good quality 70% cocoa dark chocolate in a bowl in your microwave. This only takes a couple of minutes and it is best to stop it and give it a quick stir during this time to help it melt evenly and not burn. Take low salt Pretzels and dip them into the melted chocolate and place them on a sheet of baking paper or parchment on a tray to cool. You can speed the cooling process by placing the tray in your refrigerator.
The second of my healthy snacks for weight loss is ideal for those times when you are having a night in, in front of the TV or watching your favourite film. Popcorn is ok but too plain in taste and doesn’t really hit the spot for me so I make my Healthy Caramel Popcorn.
You need a large saucepan or stock pot for this recipe. Place the pan over a medium heat and add two tablespoons of butter. Do not be tempted to use a low fat spread or margarine for this recipe – butter is always best. Add a tablespoon of water, two tablespoons of unrefined Muscovado or Demerara brown sugar and a large pinch of freshly ground sea salt. Stir with a wooden spoon or whisk it together until all the ingredients are melted and combined. Then add in air popped popcorn, this recipe should easily coat seven cups of popcorn. Stir everything together to get all the popcorn coated with your caramel sauce and then tip it out into a large bowl to cool.
I sometimes add a couple of ounces or roughly chopped peanuts or healthy pistachios, almonds and walnuts to my caramel mixture before adding in the popcorn for that extra snack treat.
My third favourite healthy snack has to be Tortilla Chips. The one’s that you buy in your local store are usually packed full of salt and artificial flavourings so I make my own healthy Tortilla Chips.
My cheats recipe for Tortilla Chips uses store bought Corn Tortillas. This recipe uses 10 corn tortillas to make 60 Healthy Tortilla Chips so just scale it up for larger quantities as required.
Cut each Corn Tortilla into 6 pieces and spread them out on to baking sheets. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a quarter of a teaspoon of freshly ground sea salt, half a teaspoon of ground cumin and a quarter of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chilli powder. Lightly brush the mixture onto your Tortilla Chips and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for approximately 15 minutes or until crisp. You can play around with the spices to suit your own tastes.
I hope that these 3 healthy snacks for weight loss have inspired you to create your own versions of your favourite snacks. You can create healthy snack versions quickly and easily and still get the same Snack Satisfaction without impacting your weight loss efforts.