TV doctor shares delicious snacks that won't harm your weight loss progress

09 January 2024 , 15:42

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Michael Mosley is the creator of the Fast 800 diet (Image: Getty Images)

The new year brings an opportunity for change - and for many of us, that means a lifestyle overhaul and plans to shape up and lose weight. But sticking to diets is not easy, and it's tempting to reach for snacks when the pangs of hunger hit.

Thankfully Dr Michael Mosley, who regularly appears on The One Show, has some good news. While you should ideally just stick to three full meals a day, there are some snacks you can still enjoy if you simply can't wait. Snacking actually spikes your insulin levels between meals which tends to increase hunger. But, "if required, have some non-starchy veg, a sliver of cheese or some berries. Alternatively, nuts are a great source of protein, fibre and micronutrients," Dr Mosley says.

Dr Mosley has advice for anyone embarking on a New Year's diet (Getty Images)

Nuts provide a good source of protein, minerals and vitamins, as well as healthy fats and high fibre. But there are some that are best avoided by dieters, namely "salted or sweetened nuts, which can be moreish and easy to overeat".

Another option for a tasty weight-loss-friendly snack is plain, Greek-style full-fat yoghurt with some healthy berries. Alternatively, you can smash some avocado - which is both very filling and rich in healthy fats - on some wholemeal toast or crackers.

When it comes to weight loss, Dr Mosley advocates a moderately low-carb, -style diet. Slimmers should stock up on high-quality proteins like oily fish, prawns, chicken, turkey or pork, and steer clear of ultra-processed meats, like bacon or salami.

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If you're plant-based, opt for edamame beans, dairy, nuts and seeds. Eggs also provide a great source of protein and are super versatile. Dr Mosley, who is the creator of the Fast 800 diet, previously further advised anyone hoping to lose weight to "cut right down on sugar, sugary treats, drinks and desserts".

He explained: "That includes most breakfast cereals, which are usually full of sugar, as well as most commercial smoothies." Other things to cut out are starchy carbs including bread, pasta, potatoes and white rice. Instead, he recommends switching to whole grains like bulgur (cracked wheat), whole rye, wholegrain barley, wild rice and buckwheat.

He added: "Brown rice is okay. Legumes such as lentils, kidney beans and chickpeas are healthy and filling too." On what you should eat instead, he advises: "Switching to a low carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diet." This includes adding more olive oil and nuts to your diet alongside plenty of eggs, full-fat yoghurt, oily fish and vegetables.

He also recommends filling up on protein and veggies as they are "very satiating," for only a few calories.

Gemma Strong