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If you’re making an effort to maintain a healthy diet in order to reach your weight loss goals, you may think that snacking is out of the question. But we’re here to tell you that isn’t the case at all! However, it is true that many snack options you’ll find at the store—especially processed, prepackaged options—are poor choices for your health. But as it turns out, there are actually a few healthy packaged snacks that can help you stay on track with your weight loss journey.
To discover a few of the best healthy packaged snacks, we spoke to dietitian Alyssa Pacheco. She pointed us towards Biena chickpea snacks and Barebells protein bars. Learn more about these tasty, nutritious choices below!
1. Biena chickpea snacks
If you're looking for something crunchy to munch on between meals, you may find yourself reaching for some potato chips. Unfortunately, this salty snack comes with a wide range of health risks—including weight gain. However, there is one healthy option that Pacheco says could hit the spot: Chickpea snacks. "Biena chickpea snacks are perfect for a shelf-stable, on-the-go snack," she tells us.
Not only are they delicious, but they also offer up nutrients that your body needs to thrive. "This crunchy snack packs in 6g of fiber and 6g of plant based protein," Pacheco says. "Fiber is especially helpful to keep blood sugar levels stable, prevent cravings, and keep you feeling full." Perfect!
2. Barebells protein bars
If you have a sweet tooth, maybe you're more likely to snack on cookies than potato chips. However, it's probably not a surprise to hear that this definitely isn't a healthier option; all of that sugar can do some serious damage to your health, and even result in overeating. Sweet treats typically don't keep you satisfied, and only leave you craving more sugar.
Luckily, a protein bar can be a great satiating alternative. "Protein bars are a great option if you're looking for something sweet that still lines up with your health goals!" Pacheco tells us. She recommends Barebells caramel cashew bars, which "have no added sugar, 3g of fiber, and 20g of protein to keep you full and satisfied." Yum!
So, there you have it: snacks can be tasty and healthy. By swapping fattening, processed options for nutritious choices that can keep you satisfied while still pleasing your taste buds, you'll be able to stay on track with your weight loss goals.
READ MORE: 4 Healthy Snacks You’ll Actually Want To Eat–& They Help With Weight Loss