Day Three: Snack Smart

YOUR GOAL: Keep the munchies at bay without relying on processed snacks.

You’ve made it two whole days without meat — yay, you! You may be tempted to reward yourself with all the vegan treats for your otherwise healthy eating, but be on the lookout for “plant-based” sugary bars and salty chips that may just be masquerading as better-for-you choices. It’s important to look for options that are made from mostly filling whole foods and to pay attention to sugar content, sodium counts and portion size. When those intense afternoon cravings strike, you can also employ these strategies to keep your grazing healthy and under control.

Gnosh on bites high in healthy fats.
Foods like avocados, olives and nuts, are rich in satiating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help you stay satisfied, avoid cravings and reach a healthier weight.

Choose snacks that require a little effort.
It’s pretty simple: Snacks that require a little work to eat, like pistachios or fresh cherries, slow you down. “This allows you to be more mindful of what you’re eating,” says nutritionist Alissa Rumsey, MS, RD. Plus, having leftover shells or pits as visual cues reinforces that you have, in fact, chowed down on a decent amount of food.

Buy single-serve packages.
Since you can only eat what’s in front of you, it’s time to beat yourself at your own game. On your next grocery haul, pick up smaller, individual-sized packs of your favorite plant-based snacks, like nuts and dried fruit. “Smaller, portion-controlled packages make you less likely to eat endless amounts in one sitting,” says nutritionist Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet.