I know a person who spends hours working out every day - 6 days a week. He has been doing this for the last 60 days and has not lost a single pound. How is that possible? The answer is quite simple - he never changed his diet!
When it comes to looking good and feeling good, healthy weight plays an important role and experts agree that a major factor is what you eat. Most of us can manage to figure out a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Where almost everyone falls off track is mastering the fine art of snacking.
I know I have a sweet tooth, but here is a list of some secretly healthy sweet snacks that I have learned that if I can keep on-hand, they will help me get through the day and keep me away from the drive-thru or vending machine:
- Banana Chips dipped in Dark Chocolate: Bananas are packed with Vitamin A, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients, and they’re a great source of slow-release carbs to keep you feeling energized for longer. Dark chocolate is one of the best and tastiest sources of antioxidants a person can have if it’s at least 70% cocoa.
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Make your own at home! Use the fruits and yogurts you like most, and add some of your favorite nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) while you’re at it! The vitamins and minerals in fruits and nuts are great for you, the yogurt is loaded with vitamins and calcium and studies have shown that yogurt can help reduce belly fat!
- Low-fat Chocolate Milk: This one is simple - it’s got chocolate! The milk is full of calcium and vitamins and will help fill you up. As long as it’s low-fat you don’t need to feel too guilty about it!
- Baked Apples: Craving apple pie? Ditch the crust and just bake ½ an apple for a few minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg and grate some nuts on top after you pull it out of the oven!
- Pudding: one fat free pudding cup filled with fruit or sliced nuts (or both) can be a great snack. The luxurious pudding will help you mentally feel satisfied and fruit and nuts will boost the health factor!
- Fruit and Almond Butter: Slice up a sweet fruit, like a pear or a honey crisp apple, and top it with a teaspoon of almond butter. This snack usually clocks in at just under 200 calories and has enough natural sugars and proteins to keep you going through the day.
- Candy: OK, let’s be honest, sometimes you just want candy or some ice cream, and nothing else is going to satisfy that sweet tooth. When that happens don’t get too discouraged - you can still keep things low-calorie. Lots of companies have begun releasing 150-calorie (or less) packs. The frozen section of your local grocery will almost certainly have low-calorie frozen treats that are individually wrapped. The trick to this is making sure that you read the labels and stick to the correct serving size!
Remember - small changes here and there are what make a real difference in your life over time. Replacing a chocolate bar, Twinkie, cupcake, etc. with one of these healthier tasty options can be an easy step towards a healthier you!
David Pollock is a global beauty expert who has formulated products for some of the most recognized names in the business. He is a published author, radio personality and was recently named one of the “20 to Know” by Global Cosmetics Industry. Today, David is empowering women to take control of their health and beauty. Subscribe to his free newsletter at www.JustAskDavid.com.
