Snack Smart And Keep Your Weight In Check!

Christmas being right around the corner makes maintaining your weight a rather tricky thing to do! Parties, dinners and celebrations you can’t really say no to BUT at the same time there are some superfoods you can be munching on to keep your weight exactly where you want it to be!

1) Bananas
Bananas are high in fiber and resistant starch, both of which help weight loss and clean up the gut.

2) Blackberries and Strawberries
These berries are fat-burning and highly anti-oxidant. Research has indicated that they have nutrients fighting heart disease and diabetes (by aiding the glucose storage process).

3) Salmon
Salmon is a fish high in omega-3-fatty acids which are vital for maintaining a normal metabolism. Additionally, evidence has linked these fatty acids to lower risk of cancer and coronary heart disease.

4) Broccoli
One of the most beneficial vegetables out there, high in fiber, a great source of Vitamin C (which decreases the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease & dementia) and Vitamin K (which inhibits arterial calcification).

5) Chia Seeds
One of the most popular superfoods, two spoons of which contain 40% of the daily fiber intake. You can add them to your pancake mix, your omelet, your salad and even make some chia pudding for breakfast.

6) Kale
Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods in the planet! It is high on fiber, Vitamin K, Vitamin A (helps in growth, development and strengthens the immune system), Vitamin C and Vitamin E (linked to lower risk of dementia, cancer and cardiovascular disease). It is also a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, dietary minerals, iron, calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus.

7) Kiwi
An impressively rich fruit in Vitamin C and a sleeping regulating factor (helps regulate sleeping patterns).

8) Almonds
Raw almonds are rich in good fats, Vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin E, essential minerals, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, linolenic acid and zinc. All of these nutrients control blood sugar and cholesterol levels and maintain blood pressure within the normal values.

9) Green Apples
They don’t just look and taste delicious but contain non-digestible compounds that help grow good bacteria and decrease appetite as well.

10) Dark Chocolate
Seventy to eighty-two percent dark chocolate contains insulin, ghrelin and leptin, all of which control appetite. It is also a powerful source of anti-oxidants and studies have shown that it reduces the risk of heart-attack and stroke.

It goes without saying that exercising (even if it is a walk around the neighborhood or to the park), drinking water and sleeping are very important for maintaining your weight and your general well-being! So snack smart and enjoy your Christmas holidays!