What if I want a snack?

I was thinking that I would talk a little bit today about the difficulties that you face with hunger and snacking when you embark on a weight loss /wellness programme. You never get to the stage when you think, well that’s it, I’ve done enough, I can ease off now. It’s something that you live with constantly particularly when you lose a lot of weight and are concerned about putting it back on and your health being affected. I face a daily battle not to give in to my sweet tooth and it is not easy. So, what do I do to keep my focus whilst also indulging in a bit of a treat now and again? 

There are certain things that I have stuck to so far through my journey that have really helped me. Sometimes the breakfast I normally eat isn’t quite enough to be honest. Two Oatibix with some fruit is a lovely light and healthy breakfast but there are always days when we feel that we need a bit more. That’s when I rely on keto bread from Fitbakes. Lovely, tasty light bread that I toast and put a bit of low fat spread and low sugar marmalade or jam on. It’s filling and helps you last till lunchtime.

I don’t know about you but for me the worst time for snacking is mid-afternoon. About 3pm I can feel myself getting hungry. Some days I know that an apple might be enough or even a mini-Babybel (brilliant source of protein that really hits the spot when it comes to those hunger pangs) but when that sweet tooth craving strikes then I’ve got a few options that I can turn to. If I want a treat, and this is not on a regular basis then I go for a Grenade Bar. These are lovely chocolate bars that are high in protein and low in sugar and come in a range of different flavours from Salted Caramel to Oreo. These are lower in carbs than your average chocolate bar but shouldn’t really be seen as a low carb option. If you want to satisfy that sugar craving though, these do the trick. The other option I look at are the range of high protein and low sugar snacks by Fitbakes such as the millionaire caramel cakes. Gorgeous and tasty, they are only 7 carbs per slice and are low in sugar and fat. I really recommend these as a lovely snack with a coffee on a break time

That’s the day sorted, but I know that a difficult time for wanting to snack is in the evening. For me, the snacking urge hits me around 8-9pm, depending on what time I eat my main meal. Again, a Babybel might do the trick. But if that need for something sweet strikes again, then I rely on one thing – Oatbakes. This is where you need to practice your culinary skills! The recipe can be found on the Diabetes UK website and is called Fruity Oatbake.  It consists primarily of oats, sultanas or other fruit such as dates or chopped dried apricots (which is what I use) and needs to be baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Recipe here: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes/fruity-oatbake

It is so tasty to have and is cooked without sugar, making it, as the site stated, ‘A filling snack that’s rich in fibre and great served with a cup of tea and excellent for dunking’ I have one most nights and to be honest it keeps me going and I don’t wake up hungry in the night.

So, that is it really. My snacking suggestions for you! Please bear in mind that these are only things that worked for me, and I am by no means a Nutritionist or a Dietician. It is always advisable to contact your healthcare provider before you embark on any weight loss programme, which is what I did. All these snacks are still to be eaten in moderation. For example, if I snacked on a Grenade bar one afternoon then I wouldn’t be having an Oatbake at night. That kind of thing, you know what I mean.

Happy snacking everyone!