Last Updated on July 17, 2017 by Michael Brockbank
Snacking is perhaps one of the biggest problems many people have in the world today in terms of healthy living. At least from my perspective, it is. There is just so much available that tempts the taste buds, and mass production means you can eat a lot of it. So, how can you snack on anything and still lose weight?
Being Able to Snack on Anything
All too often, many people assume that an entire row of Oreos and a glass of milk is a good snack. Unfortunately, eating in bulk is where a lot of overweight issues arise. As consumers, we have access to a wide scope of goodies and treats and can easily fill a kitchen cabinet with sugars and calories.
Now, I know that some people out there have to limit themselves when it comes to snacks and meals. For example, diabetics and people with other health conditions have to stick to specific food types.
I am addressing those who are like me who simply have a weight issue without serious health complications.
With that being said, here is how I can snack on anything while losing weight.
Stick to Proper Portion Sizes
One of the most important things to realize is that a large portion of the people in the United States are grossly overfed. Proper portion sizes is the answer to a lot of health issues that many people face. I’ve dropped 50 pounds so far mostly because I cut down on my intake.
A cupcake a day isn’t going to throw most of you into shock. And no, it’s not going to cause your ass to inflate…as long as you’re conscious about what you eat throughout the day. That’s one of the most important keys to snack on anything without bloating yourself up.
Personally, I stick to suggested portion sizes and track the amount of calories everything has. For instance, most cookies I like to snack on range around the 200-calorie range for two. Not two rows; two cookies. As long as you can refrain from indulging, it’s not impossible to keep off the extra pounds.
Mix In Healthy Alternatives
Snacks alone will not give you the nutritional value you need throughout any given day. And no, popping a one-a-day vitamin and then pigging out on cupcakes is not going to be healthy. For one thing, you’re still going to need nutrients and minerals that are not always available in vitamins.
This is saying nothing about the carb and sugar intake by inhaling a box of Walmart cupcakes.
When I was in Los Angeles, I dropped 20 pounds. This was partly because I was sensible when it came to my meals. Here is an example of a typical day:
- Breakfast: An egg, one nutrigrain bar and 1/2 cup of chocolate almond milk.
- Lunch: Leftovers from the night before, which was about one serving of food.
- Dinner: Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken or something else with veggies or meats in it.
I would cook dinner and then portion everything out into Tupperware so I had lunch the next day. Sometimes, there would be enough food for three meals in total. Most of the Trader Joe’s foods I cooked were portioned out to one cup of food. Much to my surprise, this was actually enough to fill me up.
The point is you need to mix something healthy throughout your day if you want to snack on anything that looks good. I have an affinity for Klondike bars and chocolate-covered anything. But I also put in the effort to make sure my meals have a bit of nutrition behind them.
Drink More Water
Drinking water is a vital part of survival. It’s the only single element on this planet humans cannot survive without. While many products include H2O, like coffee and soda pop, many people don’t get enough of just straight water.
Water does a lot of things for the human body. It flushes out toxins, gets rid of excess elements in the body like sodium and supplies the body with what it needs for proper function. For instance, water aids the intestines in the digestion of food. As important as this is, many of us simply do not drink enough.
Drinking more water impacts overall health including weight loss. When you want to snack on anything, follow-up with a 20-ounce bottle of water. It contributes to keeping the body in check.
Eat Healthier Meals
There is less to worry about when you want to snack on anything if you have healthier meals throughout the day. Adding fruits and vegetables when possible is a great way to offset the sugars and carbs your snacks may have.
I’m not saying that eating a whole onion will cancel out an entire bag of donuts. But it will deliver the nutrients your body needs to maintain itself.
Healthy eating also means monitoring how much food you’re consuming. Most restaurants will pile food on the plate for a “good price.” In reality, these meals are often three times more food than your body actually needs. In most cases, this is a major contributing factor to obesity in the US.
You’re not a real man if you can swallow down 30 hot wings in a single sitting. You’re a candidate for a heart attack and cardiovascular diseases.
Be More Active
Last, but surely one of the most important, be more active in your daily routines. Physical activity is what causes the body to burn off excess carbs and calories added by snacks. I’ve seen athletes scarf down incredible amounts of food and still remain in amazing physical condition. This is because they train hard and remain active.
One of my favorite weight loss stories to tell is the time I walked three miles so I could have an extra slice of pizza one night. I monitor my food intake with MyFitnessPal. I didn’t have enough calories left to eat a slice of pizza for the day, so I went for a walk until I burned enough. This was back when I lost my first 20 pounds.
I am living proof that you can snack on anything and still lose weight as long as you’re active enough to offset the intake. Nowadays, I need to walk about 1.5 miles if I want to have a Klondike bar or a couple of cookies.
Essentially, you’re paying your body back for what you want to eat.
Snacks Don’t Have to Rule Your Life
It is possible to snack on anything and still remain healthy. You just need to be sensible and conscious about the rest of your day. Remember, an entire bag of cookies does not a serving make. Be self-aware about what you eat and how active you are. This way of thinking literally saved my life.
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