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If you are on a weight loss diet, you know just how difficult the urge to snack can be to manage—especially when you are working during the week and may not have time to fix yourself a healthy snack at the drop of a hat. Meal prepping is a handy way to make sure your snacking urge during the week doesn’t turn into a bingeing spiral that leads to weight gain. So, instead, it is important to not only prep for meals but also snacks.
And this is where DIY snack packs can swoop in as your saviour. For the uninitiated, DIY snack packs are pre-portioned and prepared snacks that you can make at home using fresh, wholesome ingredients. These snack packs are designed to be convenient and portable, making them an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, especially during a weight loss journey. So how does making a whole series of snack packs on say, a Sunday, help out during the entire week for weight loss?
Preparing snack packs in advance allows you to control portion sizes accurately, which is crucial for weight loss, as it helps prevent overeating and ensures you consume the right number of calories. DIY snack packs can be carefully crafted to include a balance of nutrients such as protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. This ensures that you are getting a wholesome mix of nutrients to support your energy levels and overall health.
Having pre-made snack packs readily available saves time and effort during busy workdays. You can grab them on the go, reducing the likelihood of opting for less healthy, high-calorie snacks from vending machines or fast-food options. Regularly scheduled, healthy snacks can also help prevent extreme hunger and subsequent binge eating, as they keep you satisfied and fueled throughout the day.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbars Kitchen
The best bit is that preparing your snack packs allows you to be more mindful of your food choices and ingredients. DIY snack packs can be customized to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that you enjoy your snacks while staying within your calorie goals. Experiment with different ingredients to keep your snacks interesting and enjoyable. Here are eight easy DIY snack packs that are low in calories and yet delicious enough. Try them out this week.
Veggie Sticks With Hummus
Crisp and refreshing carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices paired with a side of creamy and protein-packed hummus. Hummus, made from chickpeas, provides a satisfying texture and flavor while delivering essential nutrients like fiber and plant-based protein. With just 60 calories per serving approximately, this is a very mindful and conscious snack pack for weight loss.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Creamy and tangy low-fat Greek yogurt layered with a mix of juicy and antioxidant-rich mixed berries, topped with a sprinkle of crunchy granola. This parfait is not only delicious but also a wholesome source of protein, probiotics, and vitamins from the fresh fruits. With approximately 100 calories per serving, this one packs both nutrition and taste.
Paneer And Pineapple Cups
Low-fat cottage cheese or paneer combined with sweet and juicy diced pineapple makes this a sweet and sour delight. Cottage cheese offers a good source of protein, while pineapple adds a tropical and naturally sweet touch to the snack. This one has approximately 70 calories per serving, depending on the cup size.
Trail Mix Pack
A delightful combination of unsalted nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower, along with a touch of dark chocolate chips or dried fruits such as cranberries and apricots makes for a great trail mix. This trail mix provides a mix of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a satisfying and energizing snack. At approximately 120 calories per serving, this one must be eaten in smaller portions, so pack them in small boxes.
Rice Cake Toppers
These are light and airy rice cakes topped with creamy mashed avocado and burst of flavor from cherry tomatoes. This snack is a low-calorie yet satisfying option, offering healthy fats and vitamins from avocado and a refreshing twist from the tomatoes. With just 80 calories per serving, approximately, and rice as a base, this one can also double as a working lunch during busy workdays.
Chickpea Salad
Protein-rich chickpeas combined with diced cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette dressing, packed in a mason jar for convenience. This salad provides a refreshing and crunchy texture while being rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients. With approximately 90 calories per serving, this salad can keep you full and satiated for hours.
Fruit And Cheese Combo
A delightful pairing of sliced apple or pear with a side of reduced-fat cheese, and maybe some almonds or walnuts, can make this an amazing snack pack. The combination of sweet and crisp fruit with creamy cheese offers a balance of flavors and nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Thanks to the cheese content, this one has approximately 110 calories per serving, making it a slightly heavier snack you should go easy on but definitely try.
Veggie Wraps
A whole-wheat tortilla filled with fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, colorful bell peppers, and a drizzle of low-calorie dressing can not only make for a snack but also a meal on-the-go during workdays. This wrap is a wholesome and satisfying option, providing a medley of vegetables, fiber, and nutrients, perfect for a quick and nourishing lunchtime snack. With 100 calories per serving, approximately, this one is definitely more filling and satiating than other snacks.
