Healthy Snacks

[whoehei02]

What are some good ideas for healthy snacks that won't leave me hungry again in 10 minutes?

[pafindr]

Bananas are pretty good.

[opus]

that's a tough one. You're best off finding meal ideas that don't leave you wanting snacks all the time. Snacks are fine but if you're that hungry after eating one, then your needs aren't being met at your meals. Unless you're working hard, in which case you need to refuel.

I find protein leaves me more satisfied than carbs, even whole grains. So eggs are better for me in the morning than oatmeal, etc. The fiber from veggies and fruits helps satisfy longer, as do the fats in milk. A glass of milk and a banana may last you longer than a granola bar would.

[Medley]

Baby carrots and hummus is a favorite of mine.

A bag of microwave popcorn isn't terrible for you, depend on how you go about it.

- Joe U.

[another view]

Best choice is a willpower sandwich.

I agree with Kelly - proteins help. A piece of smoked string cheese (personal favorite) or a small handful of almonds might take the edge off. Carrots or celery can also help, but skip the dip or peanut butter to go with it, etc.

[opus]

Two tablespoons of peanut butter is a serving size, and is okay as long as you haven't been scarfing down a lot of other high calorie foods also. Peanut butter is actually a decently healthy food, in moderation. Nut fats are good fats. Just don't overdo it.

[another view]

Nut fats are good fats.

Agree. But peanuts are actually legumes (beans). Pecan or almond butter is probably a better choice but I do love peanut butter. Serving sizes are where it's at - lots of recent articles on the web, in magazines and books about this. Anything that's a decent "real" food in moderation, and exercise it off. Pretty crazy what that'll do.

[Sushigaijin]

that's a tough one. You're best off finding meal ideas that don't leave you wanting snacks all the time. Snacks are fine but if you're that hungry after eating one, then your needs aren't being met at your meals. Unless you're working hard, in which case you need to refuel.

I agree with the above posts, more or less. Many pretzels aren't terrible for you either.

regarding the quote though, I have to disagree. The meals you eat shouldn't effect hunger in that manner. The more you eat at a meal, the more you need to eat to feel full. The human body is programmed to consume WAY more quantity, both volume and energy than it actually needs. So if you're full all the time, you are eating too much. Your body will not shut off the "crave" signal just because it is nutritionally satisfied.

it's OK to be hungry throughout the day. It's normal and healthy. Your body performs better when it isn't satisfied anyway. Perhaps the will-power sandwich is a better idea.

I think that Opus might have been going in this direction:

Eating smaller, high quality meals will help reduce between-meal cravings, and if you DO still need a snack, you will need to eat less to feel full.

And I agree. Smaller meals will shrink your stomach and it will fill up faster. Higher quality meals will insure you are meeting your nutritional needs. Although nutritional needs don't have anything to do with hunger, you'll be able to function better while less full. To be less hungry, eat less. Sounds funny, doesn't it?

And remember that the people who eat the most are the least (nutritionally) healthy.

[Liz]

I'm on a special diet consisting of low carb, low fat and high protein. I also am "supposed" to eat about 5 times a day vs 3 times. The reason is that it is healthier to eat less at a given time and use up all the carbs (energy) before eating the next meal (saves plaque from going into the arteries).

I find that eating more protein and less carbs reduces those in-between food-craving times. The more carbs I eat at a given time the faster I get hungry - and the more food I want to consume.

One thing that helps me immensely is drinking a lot of water. I drink 8-16 oz. of water before I eat a meal along with drinking water during the day at frequent intervals. This helps me eat less - and it helps to hold off the hunger for longer periods of time. If you're not used to drinking a lot of water, you may have to be near a bathroom for the first week or so. After about a week your bladder actually expands and can hold more water. And I have about 200% more energy when I drink a lot of water during the day. When I find myself tired or lethargic, I start drinking a lot of water. It really does boost my energy. Some of my friends have found this to be true (I had to convert them!).

I have a friend who drinks a cup of decaf coffee or a sugar-free Latte when she gets hungry. She says this helps her.

Liz