Losing weight doesn’t have to mean giving up snacks. In fact, enjoying healthy snacks throughout the day can be a great way to maintain a balanced diet and avoid overeating at meals. The real problem lies in the type of snacks you’re eating; many of the most popular snacks are highly processed and can ultimately thwart your weight loss goals. However, there are plenty of great options to choose from!
To learn more about the role that healthy snacks can play in your weight loss journey and discover some of the best choices for women over 40, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati.
“Weight management is a common challenge for women over 40 due to hormonal shifts related to age,” she told us. “Incorporating low-calorie snacks into your diet can play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy weight.” According to Nanavati, Greek yogurt with berries, celery with almond butter, and cucumber slices with hummus are all healthy routes to take. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Greek yogurt with berries
If you're not already on the Greek yogurt train, it's time to hop aboard! This delicious dairy is packed with health benefits and can be a powerful tool for weight loss. While it makes a great breakfast ingredient, it can also serve as a healthy, satiating snack—especially when you add berries to the mix.
"Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse and adding a variety of berries gives it a delightful sweet twist," Nanavati says. Berries come with their own share of health benefits. "The fiber from berries keeps you feeling full, curbing the urge for unnecessary snacking," she notes. Perfect!
2. Celery with almond butter
Attention nut butter lovers! You're going to love this one. Instead of indulging in a decadent peanut butter chocolate treat, why not go with some crunchy celery and almond butter, per Nanavati's recommendation?
"Celery, being a water-dense vegetable, is exceptionally low in calories," she raves. "Pair it with almond butter for a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats and protein." Yum!
3. Cucumber slices with hummus
Hummus is a dip that's so good, it tastes like it should be bad for you—but luckily, veggies and hummus makes one of the healthiest snacks around. Nanavati recommends going with cucumber slices.
"Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories," she tells us. "When coupled with protein-rich hummus, it makes for a delightful and nutritious snack." So delicious, so healthy, and so simple.
The bottom line
Of course, we know that sometimes you're going to get cravings that vegetables can't satisfy. Which is why it's important to note that it's okay to treat yourself to what you really want every now and then, whether that's a few squares of chocolate or a handful of potato chips—just remember that moderation is essential. However, in the long run, swapping unhealthy snacks for nutritious options like this is a major step in the right direction. It will all pay off when you see that number go down on the scale!
