Your guide to snacking: Dietitian reveals the FOUR best foods to snack on while trying to slim down – and says to avoid rice cakes at all costs
- A dietitian has revealed the best four foods to snack on while trying to slim down
- Susie Burrell shared exactly how to stay healthy while enjoying daily ‘mini meals’
- She said Greek yoghurt and berries, chickpeas and nut bars are a good snack
- Susie explained rice crackers, banana bread and biscuits should be avoided
A dietitian has revealed the best four foods to snack on while trying to slim down and kick-start a healthy eating plan.
Sydney-based expert Susie Burrell shared exactly how to stay healthy while enjoying additional ‘mini meals’ throughout the day on her blog.
‘If you are in need of some snacking inspiration, here are some of the better and not so good options to choose when the munchies do hit in between meals,’ she said.
Sydney-based dietitian Susie Burrell (pictured) revealed the best four foods to snack on while trying to slim down and kick-start a healthy eating plan
The best snacks
Greek yoghurt and berries
According to Susie, Greek yoghurt and berries contain both protein and calcium and are a ‘nutritional match made in heaven.’
The yoghurt has minimal sugars and has low GI, which will keep blood glucose levels down.
Berries are also low in calories and full of fibre which not only makes them enjoyable but also very healthy.
Roasted broadbeans or chickpeas
Broadbeans and chickpeas are nutritious snack options which are low in calories and contain a good source of fibre.
‘They can be purchased in portion controlled packs for a perfectly sized snack to take you through to the next meal,’ Susie said.
Broadbeans and chickpeas also contain iron and protein which are essential for bone muscle and skin health.
Susie said Greek yoghurt and berries contain protein and calcium and are a ‘nutritional match made in heaven’
Nut based snack bars
Nut bars are a great snack because they contain carbohydrates which are ‘needed to help satisfy your appetite and restore blood glucose levels.’
Susie said eating a nut bars in comparison to plain nuts is also a good way to ensure you don’t overeat.
‘Many of which contain fewer than 10g of sugars per serve which is relatively low for a snack bar and offers a portion controlled way to enjoy your nuts,’ she explained.
Cheese and crackers
Despite being considered a treat food, Susie said that cheese is a great snack option as it’s nutritional.
‘Cheese is a nutrient dense food packed with protein, calcium and magnesium,’ she said.
‘When teamed with a wholegrain or corn based cracker, [it] offers a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrate as a filling snack option.’
Snacks to avoid
Rice Crackers
Despite being considered a healthy snack, rice crackers offer very little protein and fibre.
‘They are a concentrated source processed carbohydrate and 10 rice crackers is the carbohydrate equivalent of 2 slices of lower carb bread,’ Susie said.
‘So if you eat the entire packet you are looking at 100 plus grams of carbs, or almost your entire daily fuel requirement in a simple packet of crackers.’
Despite being considered a healthy snack, rice crackers offer very little protein and fibre and Susie said they should be avoided
Banana bread
Although banana bread is often considered to be healthier than cake, it still contains a lot of sugar and butter.
An average slice can contains more than ’60g of l carbohydrate, 20-30g of fat and at least 4 teaspoons of sugar’.
‘It is safe to say that there is nothing healthy about this popular snack choice,’ Susie said.
Biscuits
They may be delicious but biscuits contain fat sugar and white flour, which offer little nutrition.
‘When it comes to smart snacking try and avoid biscuits entirely and think of them as special occasion treats rather than daily food habits,’ Susie said.
Fruit Juice
Although some make argue that fruit juice is healthy, it contains simple sugars which are a concentrated source of calories.
‘Unlike fruit itself, fruit juice does not offer the fibre or ‘full’ factor that real fruit offers,’ she said.
‘If you do love your juice, try vegetable varieties instead which have far fewer calories and make sure any juice you do have is made using a single piece of fruit.’
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