Yes, snacking can absolutely kill all the hard work you do at the gym. Unless of course, you are snacking wisely. Eating smart or eating healthy is not always easy. We often have the best intentions to stay true to our goals, but for whatever reason, there are times when cravings override sensibility. But why does this happen? Why do we crave unhealthy foods? Why do we consciously make poor food choices and then feel guilty about it? How can we stop this cycle of sabotage?
The answer to the first three questions is lack of planning. Without proper planning we will often make poor food choices out of convenience, when a healthier alternative is not easily available or when lack of time is a factor. A little planning can go a long way and can keep you on track with your weight loss goals. Plan out an entire week of meals and snacks over the weekend, and prepare a shopping list so you have everything on hand. At first this may seem time consuming, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. This step will keep you from sabotaging all your hard work at the gym. Having supportive meals and snacks on hand takes the guess work out of eating healthy.
Remember, guilty snacks are high in calories but offer no real nutrition, these are known as empty calories. These snacks may taste great but will not keep you full for long, you’ll be fighting a snack attack a short while later. Healthy snacks, on the other hand, are much lower in calories and are full of nutrition. They taste great while keeping your blood sugar levels stable, which means you’ll be satisfied longer without having cravings. Once you compare the nutritional information on the packages of each, you will no doubt make the smart choice.
Here are top 7 guilty food cravings and their healthier smart alternatives. Make every calorie count, choose the smart snack and stop the viscous cycle of sabotage!
If you’re craving this – instead eat this:
Instead of cookies, go for all natural granola bars.
To satisfy a sweet tooth, choose dates or dried fruit (no sugar added)
.
Pass on the donuts and pastries, choose fresh fruit.
Instead of potato chips, Soy Chips are the way to go. One serving of these is only 90 calories with 6 gms of protein, and 0 saturated fat or cholesterol!
Water or Crystal Light is always a better option than pop. The zero calorie pops are full of artificial sweeteners and chemicals. Sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime is just as refreshing and hydrating.
In recent research, it’s been proven that coffee contains antioxidants and other agents that help reduce the risk of various diseases. Does that mean coffee is good for you? Not necessarily, it also contains caffeine which is know to raise blood pressure and elevate levels of epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Green tea is high in antioxidants, especially a particular one called EGCG (epigallocatechil gallate), which inhibits cancer cell growth. The healing and preventative benefits of green tea cleanses the body of disease causing toxins. People generally feel energized and refreshed.
Frappuccino or Fruit Frapps pack a lot of calories, especially if topped with whipped cream. Choose a real fruit smoothie or
fruit bottom yogurt which are packed with nutrition.
Happy. Healthy. Holistic! 