Although snacking may have a bad reputation in the world of dieting, it’s important to remember that not all snacks are bad for you—in fact, there are many healthy options out there that can actually help you lose weight! Of course, it’s not a good idea to fill up on fatty, processed snacks that pack in calories without providing nutritional value. But when you choose nutritious options instead, snacking can be one good way to stay satisfied throughout the day and avoid overindulging during your meals. Some options may even work to boost your metabolism.
To discover a few of the best healthy snacks that can help you reach your weight loss goals and maintain a fast metabolism, we spoke to nutritionist-dietitian Catherine Gervacio. She told us that cottage cheese and pineapple, along with hard-boiled eggs with hot sauce, are some of her go-to choices. Read on to learn about the benefits of these satisfying snacks.
1. Cottage cheese and pineapple
Don't be afraid of dairy! Cottage cheese is actually a fantastic lean protein that can aid weight loss. And according to Gervacio, "Pairing cottage cheese and fresh pineapple can support metabolism and control hunger."
She notes that the protein content of cottage cheese will help you stay satiated (which means you're less likely to overeat later in the day). Meanwhile, pineapple adds a helpful enzyme called bromelain, "which has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion. This helps in efficient nutrient absorption and overall metabolic function." Perfect!
2. Hard-boiled eggs with hot sauce
Eggs are some of the best high-protein ingredients for weight loss out there—especially when you avoid harmful ingredients and prepare them in a healthy way. Gervacio recommends boiling them and adding some hot sauce for an added metabolism boost.
"A hard-boiled egg eaten with a little bit of hot sauce can help in weight loss and boost metabolism," she says. "Egg is a protein-rich food to increase satiety while hot sauce can temporarily boost metabolism due to a substance in peppers called capsaicin." The more you know!
The bottom line
Ultimately, losing weight at a healthy rate will require you to implement a range of healthy habits, from incorporating fat-blasting workouts into your daily routine to staying hydrated and even getting enough sleep. But it's no secret that your diet plays one of the most significant roles. And while it's always important to practice moderation, snacking on foods like these can be one healthy way to work essential nutrients into your diet and possibly even most your metabolism.
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