How to Snack Right and Lose Weight

Losing weight has always been considered a simple matter of counting calories - the amount of calories being ingested and the amount of calories being burnt. So, one tends to meticulously keep a count of what they eat. At times, one tends to eat less than the required amount of food for the optimum functioning of the body and at other times one may slip and eat more, by snacking on titbits. So, the question arises: should I snack or should I avoid it?

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Insulin spikes and dips and glucose surges in the blood decide if the food you eat is being used or stored. The body converts food into glucose, the simplest form of energy, used for working efficiently. This source of energy ignites the body with the fuel to work. The key to successful weight loss is to manage the hunger pangs, which are the worst when this energy source falls and the insulin dips down.

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It¡¯s very important to maintain normal glucose levels so the body doesn¡¯t feel starved. It is only when the body is fed at regular intervals that it does not feel the need to store its energy source. Energy not being stored for more than the required amount is hence less fat storage, and thus, successful weight loss.

Opt for snacks that are nutritiously denser. Know the amount of protein, fats and carbohydrates they provide. Check for the vitamins and minerals they are composed of. Ideally, your snack should have not more than 6-8 gms of carbohydrates, 10 gms of proteins and 3 gms of fat. This is an ideal count, but it can vary depending upon the time of the snack.

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Source: Health Me Up

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