Associated with overweight and obesity, Snacking between meals is a habit with a bad reputationBut is it really so bad to have a snack from time to time?
It all depends on the type of snack. It is not the same to take a piece of fruit than a sweet, nor an infusion that a carbonated soda.
There are times when snacking between meals is justified, such as after training or watching a movie on the weekends. Although it is advisable that it does not become a habit, on sleepless nights and On days when we feel especially fatigued at work, we can also have a snack without feeling guilty..
If done under these circumstances and the following guidelines are taken into account, snacking between meals does not have to cause weight gain. In fact, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can help you lose weight by doing your bit to keep your metabolism going throughout the day.
A snack to lose weight should not exceed 150 calories. If you just want to stick around, you can afford up to 300. To give you an idea, a medium apple provides about 70 calories. If you prefer nuts, a single handful is already 150-200 calories, depending on the type of nut.
In summer, watermelon and melon are two incredible options as a snack. They refresh us while raising our energy levels. Also, a cup of these fruits contains around 50 calories, which is well below the 150 limit.
When it comes to carbohydrates, 14-20 grams are recommended as part of a healthy snack. And the rest of the values are the following:
- Proteins: 6-10 grams
- Fat: 6-10 grams
- Fiber: 3 or more grams
- Sugars: 10 or less grams