Help keep cravings at bay with tempting foods that can aid weight loss goals.
Finding snacks and meals that satisfy hunger without piling calories onto a diet can be challenging, especially with so many pre-packaged and processed choices on store shelves. While most dieters engage in food martyrdom (and subsequently, food temptation), this process can be avoided with the right choices.
A few surprising foods are helpful when it comes to fighting temptation. Favorite snacks may not necessarily be off-limits since many possess fat-burning or low-calorie properties that help trim inches or minimize fat absorption while satisfying snack or mealtime hunger.
Cranberry Oatmeal and Cinnamon Yogurt
Oatmeal’s dietary properties are renowned, but a bowl of bland oatmeal without sugar and butter seems unappetizing. Dress up the grains with a sweet treat: dried cranberries. A healthful substitute for traditional sweet choices, the berries are a perfect choice when combined with a little low-fat milk in a bowl of hot oatmeal.
Stir up healthy yogurt from low-fat vanilla to a spicy cinnamon serving. The fat-fighting choice of cinnamon makes a great substitute for flavored fruit syrups or traditional ice cream toppings that dieters are tempted to add to bland flavors like vanilla or plain berry.
Swiss Slices and Avocado Spread
Enjoy a healthy snack of sliced Swiss cheese on wheat crackers for a side dish or craving response. Swiss cheese helps trim inches from the waist without piling unhealthy fat or calories into the average diet. Pair with low-fat sliced turkey or chicken for extra bulk without breaking a diet.
A savory spread made from avocado, a teaspoon of lime juice, and a pinch of salt make a perfect topping for crackers, salads, or crisp baguettes. Despite the reputation of store brand guacamole dip, avocadoes are a surprisingly healthy source of protein and nutrients, offering healthy fat alternatives to calorie-laden protein choices.
Pasta and Veggie Salad
Whole-wheat pasta is the latest fad in healthy diet choices, helping dieters cut calories while enjoying a favorite menu selection. Boil a cup of pasta, then combine with a dash of lemon juice, two equal tablespoons of melted butter and olive oil, and sliced tomato. Sprinkle with a little grated Parmesan cheese for a tasty pasta salad, or dress up with a little low-fat Italian dressing and a diced boiled egg for protein.
Making healthy choices without starving, breaking a diet, or bulking up with processed foods is half the battle in losing weight. Choosing a few favorite foods with positive diet characteristics can make sticking to a healthy diet a little easier.
