Supermarkets are filled with smoothies, energy, and protein bars, but there are often real sugar bombs behind supposedly healthy snacks. Many products are advertised as "organic," "natural," or "gluten-free." A lot of money can now be made with this - truth, it does not provide information about a product is healthy. It is not easy to find your way everywhere the wide range of options. A candy bar is not suitable for weight loss - of course. But what about a granola bar?
We provide tips on distinguishing healthy snacks from unhealthy ones in this object. Also, we reveal supposedly healthy snacks and present alternatives that are good for
5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING HEALTHY SNACKS
TIP # 1:
READ THE INGREDIENTS LIST
In 90% of cases, the shorter the list of ingredients, the healthier the food. If only half of the ingredients are understood, the snack is unlikely to be good for your health.
Processed white sugar now has a bad reputation. However, alternative sweeteners such as honey, agave syrup, or fructose should also only be eaten in moderation. According to studies, the latter also increases the risk of diabetes with regular consumption. So sugar is hidden behind many additives. Also, avoid ingredients that end in -one or -syrup: fructose, isomaltulose, dextrose, glucose syrup, maltose syrup.
TIP # 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT CARBOHYDRATES
A low-carbohydrate diet is often touted as carbohydratescause insulin to be released and block fat metabolism. However, much more chief than the amount of carbohydrates is the type of carbohydrate.
Whole foods such as fruit, oatmeal, or whole-grain products contain many good things in contrast to highly processed foods such as crisps, white bread, or sweets: nutrients, fiber, water, and sustainable energy that lasts all day. Fiber ensures that the carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly, and the blood sugar level rises more slowly. When blood sugar levels remain stable, fat burning is more active. So a healthy snack can contain carbohydrates if they come from underprocessed foods. These carbohydrates can help you achieve your desired weight and reduce diabetes and heart disease risk
TIP # 3:
SUGAR-FREE DOESN'T MEAN HEALTHY
If a food is advertised as "sugar-free," artificial sweeteners are often used instead. Although the artificial sweetener does not contain any calories, studies have shown a connection between the sweeteners and metabolic diseases. When the body perceives sweetness, it prepares to digest real sugar and releases the hormone insulin. It ensures that blood sugar drops, cravings arise, and fat burning is impaired. Avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose.
If you choose between artificial and natural sweeteners, select the natural variant. This supplies at least minerals and vitamins - the amount counts.
TIP # 4:
THE PROTEIN REQUIREMENT CAN BE COVERED WITHOUT PROTEIN POWDER
If you believe the advertisements or suppliers of sports nutrition, protein powder is necessary. However, even vegans or competitive athletes can cover their protein requirements with natural, protein-rich foods. The extra portion of protein usually only makes the wallet smaller and does not necessarily mean that more muscles are built, or fat is burned faster. Protein powder is a very processed food and has little to do with freshness and health.
Protein should be part of every meal. Instead of investing in protein powder, choose, for example, legumes, (soy) yogurt, or quark.
TIP # 5:
COMBINE CARBOHYDRATES WITH FAT OR PROTEIN
As mentioned in tip 2, carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to rise. Large fluctuations in blood sugar quickly lead to cravings and impair fat burning. To stay full longer and to strengthen your fat-burning between main meals, always combine carbohydrates of any kind with some protein or fat.
Protein and fat are processed more slowly than carbohydrates
and keep you full longer. For example, eat a few nuts (fat and protein) before
a piece of fruit (carbohydrates) is consumed or add some unsweetened peanut
butter to the smoothie.