We’ve all been there: sneaking a Girl Scout cookie or indulging in a candy bar even though we know these snacks can overload our diets with sugar, carbs, and calories. And now that the summer is officially here, the temptation to avoid unhealthy sweet snacks is bigger than ever. Thankfully, there are still healthy snacks that can satisfy your sweet tooth and help you shed pounds.
To learn more about the sweet snack that’s surprisingly metabolism-boosting, we spoke with Sophia Turner, a dietitian, and co-founder of SlimEtc. She says that blueberry oatmeal muffins are the best sweet snack for weight loss because they contain metabolism-boosting ingredients like blueberries and oatmeal. Read on to learn more about this snack, the recipe, and the importance of metabolism on your weight loss journey.
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins Are A Surprisingly Sweet Metabolism-Boosting Snack For Weight Loss
"Metabolism," Turner says, "refers to the complex series of chemical reactions that occur within the body to convert the food we eat into energy. It involves various processes, such as breaking down nutrients, synthesizing proteins, and eliminating waste. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body requires to perform essential functions at rest." S provides a recipe for the delicious and metabolism-boosting sweet snack: a homemade blueberry oatmeal muffin.
"This recipe combines the goodness of whole grains, antioxidant-rich blueberries, and a touch of sweetness. These blueberry oatmeal muffins are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, increase satiety, and boost metabolism," she says. Blueberries can also do wonders for tightening aging skin and the fiber in oats can you burn belly fat faster.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
2 ripe bananas, mashed 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk together the honey/maple syrup, almond milk, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
So, besides this healthy sweet snack, what can you do to boost your metabolism? Regularly exercise, eat enough protein, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and manage your stress levels. "Doing physical activity, such as cardio exercises, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can help increase your metabolic rate. Including lean proteins like poultry, fish, legumes, and tofu in your diet can boost your metabolism through the thermic effect of food (TEF)," Turner explains.
She continues, "Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain optimal metabolic function." Similarly, Turner says that "prioritizing quality sleep" and "finding stress-management techniques" supports a healthy metabolism.
Turner also emphasizes that it's crucial to avoid or minimize certain snacks to help maintain a healthy metabolism. "Unhealthy snacks include processed foods high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Examples include sugary sodas, candy bars, potato chips, and deep-fried snacks," she notes.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth cravings and eat a weight-loss-friendly snack. Rather than reaching for highly-processed, sugar-loaded food chocolate bars when you crave something sweet, Turner highly recommends blueberry oatmeal muffins as a metabolism-boosting snack. This yummy treat nourishes your body with vitamins and minerals, filling fiber and protein, and healthy fats, that will help satisfy those pesky hunger pangs until your next meal. Just remember, even though there are certain snacks that can support your metabolism, it's crucial to maintain a well-rounded, balanced diet and an active lifestyle to meet your long-term weight loss goals.
