Smart snacking can be the difference between easy weight loss and a permanently stuck scale.
Updated on October 25, 2023Medically Reviewed
When the afternoon slump hits, it can be tempting to reach for the candy jar or swing by the vending machine. But while that sugar rush may feel satisfying at first, it quickly fades away, sending you back for more unhealthy snacks. A research review notes that people who experience bigger dips in blood sugar report greater hunger and tend to eat more calories overall than people with smaller dips in blood sugar. Over time, all those extra calories can easily add up to weight gain.
Smart snack options, on the other hand, can have positive effects: “Snacking helps to ensure blood sugar doesn’t drop too low, so you don’t feel dizzy, weak, irritable, and hungry,” says Los Angeles–based dietitian Mascha Davis, RDN, MPH, author of Eat Your Vitamins. In addition, incorporating regular mini-meals or snacks into your routine can contribute helpful nutrients to your diet, prevent overeating, and help you maintain a healthy weight, according to a review of research.
When choosing a waistline-friendly snack, look for low-calorie options with nutritional benefits.
To narrow your search, check out this list of 20 snacks with fewer than 100 calories.
1 Cup of Blueberries
