You know that you probably won’t need to be seen in a bikini for a few months, so there’s more temptation to reach for that extra mince pie, or that second helping of food.
Snacking becomes a part of the winter regime; with the festive period in full-swing you’re probably more likely to find yourself surrounded by sugary goodies and snacks that truthfully, aren’t all that good for you. You can however avoid overeating by swapping the following snacks for their healthy alternatives:
Swap… coffee and tea for fruit teas
We’re probably all guilty of drinking lots of coffee throughout the day – it’s a diuretic which means it makes you more dehydrated than before. Swap your caffeine addiction for fruit teas.
There’s an abundance of fruit teas that are bursting with flavour. Try a peppermint tea for a minty kick or for a real fruit punch try exotic flavours such as Acai and Goji berry – there have been rumours in the past surrounding the benefit of taking acai berry in weight lossprogrammes so surely drinking it in your tea can’t harm.
Swap… after-school kid snacks with grown-up goodies
If you’re a yummy mummy then you’re probably familiar with picking at your little one’s plates, spooning up what they don’t eat and nibbling on their favourite treats.
However this can have a dramatic effect on your waistline with your shape creeping up in size without you knowing. Instead of shovelling down their unwanted sugary snacks, make your own adult snacks that promise to help your hunger fix – try frozen grapes or low-fat cheese spread with celery sticks
Swap… Crisps for dried fruit
Swapping salty, oily crisps to graze on dried fruit and nuts is probably one of the best food swaps you can make. Not only will you be sneaking in your five a day easily, you’ll also be getting essential vitamins and healthy oils from the nuts.
Try snacking on apricots, cranberries, papaya mixed with walnuts, brazil nuts and unsalted cashew nuts for a truly delicious snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
Swap… Natural yoghurt for Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is a lot higher in protein than natural yoghurt and it’s very low in fat. It’s also thicker and creamer so it feels like you’re treating yourself to a really naughty desert. Try mixing with a couple of tablespoons of honey for a truly delicious pudding.
KEEP… dark chocolate!
Yes, that’s right guys. It’s rumoured that dark chocolate can be good for you (in moderation, of course), as it contains less sugar than other chocolate. It’s also worth bearing in mind that you shouldn’t cut out a food group completely as it’s bad to deprive your body of one food group.
Eating in moderation is one of the best ways to keep your body in check so follow these swaps and you’ll soon notice the notice to a healthier you.
