Free popcorn at a movie screening (Photo : Getty Images/Jonathan Leibson )
When it comes to weight loss, what goes into your mouth can make a significant difference. Whatever you are having for snacks can impact your metabolism as well as your appetite.
But here is the catch. Believe it or not, you can actually still shed off some pounds even with your salty cravings, according to Bicycling. You can even indulge if you wish to satisfy your palates with some salty goodness, says Nora Minno, R.D.
"If you're trying to lose weight and get a craving for a salty snack, it's totally fine to indulge," says Minno. "As long as you stay within your calorie goals and don't exceed the recommended 2,300 mg of sodium per day, you'll still be on track for success!"
If you are excited to find out what these salty yet weight-friendly snacks are, read on.
1. Organic popcorn with sea salt
This can be a good alternative to a bag of potato chips, and you can even add flavor to it. You can use certain spices such as garlic, rosemary and cayenne pepper.
2. Pumpkin seeds
According to Health, ¼ cup of roasted pumpkin seeds can be perfect for snacking. You will not even have to worry about the calories because it only contains 71 calories.
3. Whole grain nachos
Who does not love the sound of nachos? You can take one whole grain tortilla for baking but mist it first canola oil spray and sprinkle with sea salt. Complete it with shredded cheese and black beans. The fiber from the beans and tortilla can help make you feel full. Adding chili peppers can also help because they can curb your cravings and appetite.
4. Home-made veggie chips
Make your own chips from Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and turnips so you do not have to deal with the sodium and fat found in packaged chips. You can make them at home by slicing them into very thin slices sprinkled with sea salt, black pepper and a tablespoon of olive oil. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy.
5. Cheese
Everybody loves cheese. And you can curb your appetite with the help of a cup of 1 percent cottage cheese, part-skim ricotta cheese, or a few slices of cheese. This will leave you feeling full and will help you avoid overeating.
