I know that snacking does not necessarily prevent weight loss, but what is a reasonable calorie level for a snack when trying to lose weight? By Karen Collins, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., American Institute for Cancer ResearchQ: I know that snacking does not necessarily prevent weight loss, but what is a reasonable calorie level for a snack when trying to lose weight?
A: Whether or not you’re in the midst of weight reduction efforts, snacks can add important nutrients and keep you from getting so hungry that when you do eat, you quickly eat more than you need. On the other hand, we sometimes forget how the calories in a series of snacks through the day can add up.
The best calorie level for a snack depends on total daily calorie needs (which differ with activity level, age and body size). Another consideration is whether you prefer to eat “normal” size meals with a small snack or two in between to tide you over, or whether you prefer something more like six mini-meals. For something light, 100 to 120 calories allows for a substantial piece of fruit or a quarter-cup of dried fruit or a cup of vegetable soup, for example. Adult women aiming for about 1600 calories per day to lose weight could have two snacks of about 200 calories each (a handful of nuts, an apple with peanut butter, or six ounces of yogurt, for example) and still leave room for moderate 400-calorie meals.
For people who are larger or more active and losing weight on 1800 or 2000 calories a day, snacks might reasonably be 250 to 300 calories each depending on meal sizes and how many snacks you will include daily. These could then include options like a cup of cereal with....to continue click here Share this post :
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