It's afternoon snack time again. Quickly open the drawer next to you. Is it filled with all kinds of snacks like cookies, chocolates, and instant drinks? Eating a little something when you're hungry isn't a sin; it can also help balance your blood sugar levels and avoid the risk of overeating. However, you need to be smart when choosing snacks. The American health website "Epyk" has listed 5 types of "untouchable" snacks that are nutritionally void, high in fat, and high in calories. Quickly check your snack cabinet for these landmines.
1. Pretzels
Thin and long sticks, some twisted into bow shapes, these salted crisp pretzels are crispy and refreshing. While a bag doesn't seem like a large portion, they are often hard to stop eating. In fact, 10 pretzels have over 200 calories, which is not low in calories. Plus, with a high salt content, people often unconsciously consume too much sodium, and eating too salty is also one of the causes of bloating.
2. Microwave Popcorn
You can find flat bags of popcorn in convenience stores. After microwaving, they expand into a large bag, with various flavors like butter or seaweed that are super tempting. But popcorn can be a super evil food. Some studies have pointed out that popcorn may contain carcinogenic compounds. On top of that, it's extremely high in calories, with one bag having 400~450 calories, which already accounts for 20% of the recommended daily calorie intake.
3. Chocolate Energy Bars
If you're in a hurry and need a quick snack, eating an energy bar isn't a big problem. But be aware that one bar has 250 calories. You can choose other snacks with lower calories but the same satiety, such as konjac chips. They are much lower in calories but can also solve your afternoon hunger pangs.
4. Canned Roasted Peanuts
With peanuts and nut foods, it's easy to grab a big handful at once. Some processed varieties have added seasonings like salt or sugar, increasing their calories. 10 roasted or fried peanuts have 135 calories, almost equivalent to half a bowl of white rice. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the intake to no more than one tablespoon.
5. Chocolate Cookies
Cookies can be considered the most common snack. Whether it's sandwich cookies or chocolate chip cookies, they are snacks everyone loves. However, cookies require a large amount of sugar and butter to make, making their calorie content astonishing. 100 grams have about 500 calories. Additionally, the high sugar content can cause blood sugar to spike quickly and does not prolong the feeling of fullness.
Summarizing the 5 types of snack landmines above, the basic principle is to avoid snacks high in sugar and fat. Before eating, remember to check the nutrition label and try to choose foods rich in dietary fiber and that are natural and unprocessed. Also, drinking more water or brewing a cup of oatmeal is a little secret to curb hunger without gaining weight!