10 snacks that helped mum beat hunger pangs and lose 5 stone
Snacking. It can certainly make or break someone’s results on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
We have all been there when 3pm comes round, we are tired, slightly irritable and look for a quick pick-me-up that’s generally LOADED with sugar and bad fat.
While we may feel good for a moment or so – we crash again – and nearly as quickly.
The thing is, healthy nutritious snacks like those from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge have the power to fight hunger pangs, stabilise blood sugar levels and assist with weight loss by boosting metabolism.
This is how healthy Mummy Cat, has helped beat her hunger pangs and keep on healthy eating track.
10 snacks that helped mum beat hunger pangs and lose 5 stone
Cat says, “Snacking is a huge factor for me that will either make or break my healthy eating.
Far too many times I have found myself in a time pinch and STARVING! Having these few things prepped is certainly key to helping me stay on track to my goals.”
When it comes to choosing healthy snacks, Cat opts of things that have protein in them, to help keep her body fuelled and cravings under control in between meals.
Cat shares, “Adding protein to your after workout snacks will also assist in your muscle recovery and as a Group Fitness Instructor, this is extremely important for me.”
Cat is an active 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge member – and therefore generally incorporates 2-3 of the recommended snacks as part of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge meal plan into her week.
However the below are considered her go-to FAVE snacks that help her stay on track!
Cat’s fave snacks!
1. Apple (or pear) with peanut butter and chia seeds
Cat says, “Check the ingredients of your peanut butter (or other nut butter) and ensure it says 100 per cent nuts.”
2.Tuna and rice crackers
Cat shares, “Avoid flavoured tuna in the tins, try tuna in spring water and add your own lemon juice and pepper or seeded mustard for an extra kick of flavour!”
3.Veggie sticks and dip
“Homemade tzatziki or hummus are my favourites. Try making a BIG batch on meal prep Sunday so you are prepared for the week ahead”, Cat reveals.
Check out the dip recipes on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
4. Hard boiled eggs
“Try mashing 1-2 hard boiled eggs in some Greek yogurt or mayo to make an egg dip for veggie sticks or crackers“, Cat shares.
5. Fruit and nut mix
Cat says store bought fruit and nut nixes often have added oils, salts and or preservatives. Be sure to always read your nut labels.
Cat admits, “I like to make my own mix of nuts, seeds and/or dried fruit for a quick, handbag-friendly snack on the go.
“My favourite add-ins are raw cashews & almonds, pepitas, goji berries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, coconut chips & walnuts”
6. A smoothie
Cat says, “Smoothies are a quick and easy snack!
I often have these in the afternoons before heading to the gym to teach my evening classes. I use fewer ingredients when I’m making a smoothie for a snack (e.g. 1 tbsp of oats instead of 2tbsp), but the milk and fruit fill me up and give me energy.”
7. Muesli and Greek yogurt
Cat says, “Make a big batch of muesli for the week ahead by lightly toasting off some of your favourite nuts, seeds, fruit and/or grains to make a delicious yogurt topper.
I LOVE the Chocolate Granola from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge Recipe Hub but sometimes make a ‘throw together’ mix with whatever I have in the cupboard. Coconut, oats, chia seeds, nuts and dried fruit work well!
8. Bliss balls
“There are an obscene amount of bliss ball recipes available on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge so the options are literally endless.
I love having a batch or two on the go to make sure I have a quick snack to add to my coffee or a sweet treat for after meals,” Cat explains.
Here are 10 Bliss Balls you must try!
9. Protein Bars
Cat loves making her own bars to take with her for a healthy snack to-go. She particularly loves the Sesame Bars from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
“This recipe is jam packed with healthy fats and protein to help keep you full and fuelled between meals.”
10. Sweet treats baby!
Cat says, “Hedgehog Slice, Peanut Bubble Crunch – These are absolutely essential for surviving that ‘time of the month’ or kerbing after dinner sweet cravings!
“I am loving the Healthy Twix recipe at the moment and have resorted to freezing half the batch to keep myself from eating it all it is THAT GOOD!
“Try having a healthier sweet treat on hand from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge for when these cravings hit and you will be seeing and feeling the results in no time!”
Cat’s transformation journey
Cat says her weight loss journey began back in 2010, when she stepped on the scales and found herself at her heaviest weight of 16.7st.
Cat reveals, “I started on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and the results really kicked in.”
Baby number 2
Cat welcomed baby number two in 2012. This time round, Cat was able to keep her pregnancy weight gain to a healthy weight gain range and managed to breastfeed her bub for 7 successful months.
Cat says, “I hugely credit that to the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and the knowledge I had gained with The Healthy Mummy about how to nourish my body.
“I am now sitting around 11.7st and I am at my lightest, strongest and fittest adult weight EVER. I actually don’t think I have been this small since maybe high school?
“I am teaching group fitness classes, something I would never have even imaged doing 5 stone ago and I love the fact I am able to help other people gain confidence, fitness and health through working together in group fitness classes.”
How incredible is that?! Keep up the amazing work Cat! You are an inspiration to so many mums.
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