Eating healthy snacks can also help you get all the nutrients you need. While the research on whether snacks help with weight loss is mixed.

The term "snacks" refers to the foods you eat during the day in addition to your main meal. Snacks are usually small portions of food that are divided between meals.

Some evidence suggests that increasing the frequency of food intake through snacking may help control hunger and improve blood sugar levels.

Plus, snacks can help increase your intake of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables—and most people don't eat enough produce.

Snacking isn't always a bad thing for you. Here are five healthy snacks s that can curb cravings for junk food.

Is snacking between meals bad or good? 

This is a common question for health professionals or nutritionists. Health research says that a lot depends on what motivates you. There is nothing wrong with feeling starving if you eat small snacks for health throughout the day, but if boredom, temptation, and emotional eating are your triggers, you choose packaged foods that contain a lot of fat, salt, or sugar. To achieve this in vain, snacking can be the bad guy in your life.

Can snacking be included in a healthy diet?

When choosing a snack, choose one that contains protein, fat, and fiber. All these nutrients take a long time to digest, making them satiating. Snacks are also an excellent method to supplement your diet. Think snacks like carrots and hummus, bananas with almond butter, or whole grains with cheese. If you let yourself be extremely hungry, you'll be more likely to eat your next meal. So while we often think of chips and candy as "snacks," snacking can help you avoid overeating.

You might think calories are the most important thing to eat when losing weight. But you can get 100 calories from jelly beans and not be complete, let alone 200 calories from nuts and dried fruit. This isn't to say that calories aren't necessary, but it's also important to choose snacks that provide nutrition and keep you full. All of our weight loss diet plans allow for two snacks per day, and for a 1500-calorie diet plan, each snack contains approximately 200 calories per day.

What makes meals excellent for weight loss?

Some foods are better than others for weight loss.

In general, foods high in fiber or protein make you feel full. This means that a person will feel full faster and may eat less at one time or between meals.

Other things to consider include finding foods low in calories but of sufficient size or texture. The more space the food occupies in the stomach, the more satiety you will feel. Again, it helps to eat less per snack.

People might also wish to think about consuming meals that boost energy and metabolism. Higher energy levels can help burn more calories, and an increased metabolism can help metabolize food more efficiently.

People who want to lose weight should avoid foods that are high in the following:

• salt
• Sugar
• Saturated fat
• simple carbohydrates

Whole foods are a good choice because many processed snacks are high in sugar, salt, or both. Snacking between meals can help you lose weight. A healthy diet can help prevent overeating and provide vitamins, fiber, and protein.

Here are some of the best snacks for weight loss.

Mixed nuts

Nuts are very beneficial for health. Nuts are an excellent nutritious snack and provide a healthy balance of fats, proteins, and fiber. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, although they are high in calories and fat, eating whole grains moderately helps in weight loss.

Chia seed pudding

Chia seeds are packed with fiber, plant protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great snack. These seeds are not very sweet but very nutritious. In addition, it is an excellent ingredient for desserts as its texture is jelly-like after soaking.

Ingredients

• One tablespoon (15 grams) of chia seeds.
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk or non-dairy milk of your choice
• 1/2 tablespoon (8 grams) coconut or peanut butter, to taste
• Half a cup (75 grams) of mixed fruit.
• 1-2 teaspoons flavored like maple syrup or honey if desired

Instructions:

In a small dish, combine the chia seeds and water. For at least 30 minutes, cover the container and put it in the fridge. Add cocoa or peanut butter and spices and sprinkle with berries.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits are portable and nutritious snacks. Consumption of fruit helps in weight loss because it is full of fiber (as well as essential vitamins and minerals). Look for dried fruit without sugar or sweeteners and add it to cereal as a healthy snack to balance healthy carbohydrates and protein. Dried fruit is also a great option to keep on your desk.

Dark chocolate and almonds

Losing weight doesn't mean giving up your favorite foods. Believe it; giving yourself a little reward can be the secret to permanent weight loss. Dark chocolate and almonds make a great combination. Rich chocolate flavor with crunchy nuts is a powerful combination of deliciousness and health.

Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and almonds contain healthy fats.

The two make a great, satisfying, and portable snack. Try a few teaspoons or a box of dark chocolate with a few nuts.

Cut carrots or cucumbers instead of fries or wedges

When you're craving salty chips, your body needs water, so choose foods with a lot of water, such as cucumbers or carrots, and cut them into sticks. Serve with chickpeas or suspended curds, a good source of protein. These healthy sticks are also high in fiber and antioxidants, helping to maintain nutrition and satiety.

The bottom line

Food can fit into your diet if you're trying to manage your weight. When your next craving hits, try eating whole foods instead of processed junk foods.

More healthy options can help you feel better, add more nutrients to your diet and support your weight management.

Having a plan for what healthy snacks to pack at work and on the go can help you choose a wider variety of foods, vary your nutrient intake, and avoid feeling hungry between meals.