If you’re trying to lose weight, you may think that you need to ditch your snacking habit for good. However, that’s not the case! Although it’s true that many of the most popular snacks out there are highly processed and terrible for your overall health (especially if you’re trying to slim down), there are also a ton of healthy options that can provide many benefits and help you on your weight loss journey. So if you’re looking for a healthy swap for those fattening potato chips, don’t fret—we’ve got you covered with some expert advice.
Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the best, expert-approved crunchy snack that you can munch on without worrying about your waistline (in moderation, of course). We spoke to Lauren Thayer, Registered Nurse from Health Canal, to get her opinion. She told us that trail mix, popcorn, and roasted chickpeas are among the best options. Read on to learn more about the benefits of each.
1. Trail Mix
Nuts are some of the healthiest foods out there, and adding other tasty ingredients to the mix in order to create a delicious trail mix can really bring things to the next level.
"You can make your own trail mix so you know what is going into it," Thayer tells us. "Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe a few small pieces of dark chocolate will satisfy the crunchy snack craving." Yes, you read that right—dark chocolate can actually be great for your body. It's a win-win!
2. Popcorn
Popcorn isn't just a delicious snack to chow down on while you're watching a movie. According to Thayer, it's also a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stay healthy and slim down.
"Popcorn can actually be a really great snack as long as it isn’t full of fat and salt," she assures us. "There are low-fat popcorn options you can purchase from the store, or even better, air pop some at home." Yum! Just be sure to steer clear of too much butter, salt, or inflammatory oils. And, of course, it's still important to enjoy this snack in moderation.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, and they taste great in a range of recipes, including stews, curries, and even hummus. As it turns out, they also make a delicious, crunchy snack when roasted!
"Chickpeas have a lot of great health benefits," Thayer says. "They are full of minerals and protein. You can make a big batch in the oven and save some for later." Sign us up!
The bottom line
At the end of the day, it's crucial to remember the importance of moderation above all. That means that if you do want to indulge in a few handfuls of your favorite potato chips every now and then, there's no problem with that! And likewise, any food—even the ones listed here—will lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. However, in general, choosing these healthy snacks over processed options is one great way to make strides towards your weight loss goals.
