Afternoon cravings can easily unravel all the good work you’ve completed on your morning power walk, healthy breakfast and lunch. Instead of heading for the chocolate fix to boost energy levels and prevent the afternoon slump, check out these alternatives:
Nut it out
Even though nuts are high in ‘good’ fat, they are also high in fibre and protein and offer appetite satisfaction in a small serve size. Research shows that portion controlled nuts can be successfully included in weight loss diets.
Get the nut habit:
Pour some nuts into a small Tupperware container and snack on them throughout the day. Make sure it’s a small container to hold just a handful of nuts – this way you won’t over eat!
Many sandwich shops are now making sandwiches which include nuts. Try it for a crunchy take on the normal sanga!
If you’re going to a business lunch, look for menu items which include nuts, you’ll be surprised at the innovative ways nuts can be used
Share some nuts with your work colleagues for meetings and tea breaks rather than pastries/ biscuits
Yummy yogurt
New research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, showed that a higher dairy consumption was associated with greater weight loss and a greater decrease in waist circumference. The study supports previous clinical trials which showed that the inclusion of three daily serves of dairy in a weight-reducing diet leads to substantially more weight and body fat loss than a similar diet that only includes one daily serve of dairy. The low glycemic index and protein content of yogurt makes it a particularly good afternoon snack.
Boost your yogurt intake:
Snack on fat free yogurt or low fat yogurt drinks between meals
Dollop low fat natural Greek style yogurt on kebabs, curries and tagines
Add yogurt and fruit to breakfast cereal
Use vanilla, creamy yogurt as an alternative to cream in meringues and healthier desserts.
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