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Foods That Keep You Satisfied Longer

December 27, 2012 By

We all aim to be conscious of our calorie in-take, but it’s difficult when our stomach is sending us signals saying it needs to be filled. Luckily, there are a number of foods that can give us the feeling of satiety without all of the associated carbs, calories, and fats. Below are some of the best choices.

One great food for keeping you full for a long, long time is white potatoes. Sure, they pack a serious amount of carbs, but a potato in your stomach will satisfy feelings of hunger for longer than just about any other food. Cook them simply, by steaming or baking them, and avoid excess fat.

To start your day with a meal that will keep you feeling satisfied until lunch, opt for a bowl of hot oatmeal. Oats have a number of heart-healthy benefits aside from just being filling. Try your morning oats with chopped nuts for a boost of protein.

Beans are an excellent and affordable way to satisfy your hunger, because they are high in fiber. In addition, they don’t pack a heavy calorie load, and take some time to digest, leaving you satiated for hours. (Polite eaters may want to take a gas remedy before a meal.)

If you’re looking for a filling snack that’s super low in calories, opt for popcorn. It’s exceptionally full of fiber and flavor, and just perfect for between-meal noshing that will keep you going for hours.

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Foods that Promote Physical and Mental Wellness!

October 18, 2012 By

What we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies – good nutrition is essential to mental health as well. Here are some easy ways to feed both your body and your mind. Consider keeping some of these foods in your pantry at NSB Kings Bay Homes.

Whole wheat toast
While many people try to avoid carbs, they do have their benefits. They can trigger the release of serotonin in the brain, which improves mood. This is especially true in women. So, if you're looking for the best, healthy option, stick with healthy whole grains, and you have a great mood-enhancing bite.

Dark chocolate
There’s truth to the cliché – dark chocolate is an emotionally and physically satisfying snack. The cocoa in dark chocolate contains significant amounts of the antioxidant flavanol, which improves blood flow to the brain.

Seafood
Seafood contains the mineral selenium, which helps sharpen mental faculties and fight depression. You only need a tiny amount of selenium per day, but failing to consume enough can lead to a decline in mood and brain power. In addition, seafood contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, another safeguard against depression.

Beans, greens and lean proteins
Combine foods rich in folic acid (such as beans and greens) with foods rich in B12 (meat, poultry, fish and dairy) for a 1-2 punch of nutrition that fights mood and nerve disorders. Try a simple spinach salad with grilled salmon for starters.

Vitamin D fortified foods
Vitamin D naturally occurs in only a few foods, but it is essential to a positive mood and good nutrition. Luckily there are many products fortified with vitamin D like juices, cereal, and milk. For the best benefits, try to incorporate some of these items into your diet daily.

 

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Five Snacks Under 200 Calories

March 15, 2012 By

If you’re on a diet, snacking can seem like a no-no, but denying your hunger can make you overeat later. Instead of ignoring your rumbling tummy, reach for one of these healthy snack options. With under 200 calories per serving, these small bites won’t wreck your diet!

Peanut Butter & Celery
This childhood favorite deserves to be revisited. Top your virtually calorie-free stalks with two tablespoons of peanut butter. If you want to make it really old-school, add a bit less peanut butter and sprinkle on a few raisins, instead.

Yogurt & Fruit
Top 6- to 8-ounces of plain Greek-style yogurt with a handful of fresh berries. This delightful snack is loaded with antioxidants, fiber, calcium, probiotics, and other vitamins and minerals. When you shop, remember that not all yogurts are created equal, so educate yourself by reading the labels and avoid artificially sweetened or high-sugar varieties.

Cheese & Crackers
Portion control is key when snacking. Instead of sitting down with the entire box of crackers, plate up 4 to 5 baked whole grain crackers with 1-ounce of your favorite cheese. Sit down and enjoy!

Popcorn
Three cups of air-popped popcorn comes in at under 100 calories! After you pop it, spray with a little cooking spray, and then sprinkle with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan. This voluminous snack comes in well below the 200 calories mark and will also visually fill you up! For a sweet variation, spray with cooking spray and then top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of sugar.

Turkey Sandwich
Yes, your eyes did not deceive you: half a turkey sandwich is a great, hearty snack option if you’re really feeling hunger pangs. Take one slice of whole wheat bread, cut in half and fill with 2-ounces of turkey breast, 1/2-ounce of cheese, and a few tomato slices. This filling option also provides you with a lovely combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and minimal fat.


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