A leading nutritionist has revealed a simple yet powerful snack idea that delivers a substantial protein hit and is packed with fibre, making it an ideal choice for those looking to manage their weight.
The Ultimate Balanced Snack
Posting on TikTok to her 50,000 followers, personal trainer and nutritionist Tara, who runs the account @Strengthkitchen, demonstrated how to create what she calls a 'balanced snack'. The key component is 200g of 0% Greek yoghurt, which provides a solid foundation of protein.
She then enhances the bowl with a variety of toppings for added nutrients and flavour. "Apple for fibre and potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants," she wrote in her video. The snack also includes peanut butter for taste, pumpkin seeds for skin-benefiting zinc, and a mix of cashews and almonds for B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin E. Walnuts are added for their valuable Omega fatty acids.
How It Supports Your Health Goals
Tara explained the strategic thinking behind this combination. "Instead of filling up on just nuts as a snack, why not make it a little more balanced with some protein from yoghurt and fibre from fruit to keep you full," she advised in her caption.
For individuals specifically targeting fat loss, she suggested a simple swap: "If your goal is fat loss or weight loss, you can swap the peanut butter for berries to help you stay in a calorie deficit." This versatile approach means the yoghurt bowl can be adapted with different fruits and toppings to suit personal taste and nutritional needs while ensuring a good intake of varied nutrients and fibre.
Emphasising the importance of fibre, she added that it is crucial for digestion, helping to prevent type 2 diabetes, and assisting in lowering cholesterol.
Official Health Guidance Backs the Benefits
This advice aligns perfectly with official health recommendations. The NHS states that most people in the UK need to eat more fibre and have fewer added sugars. It confirms that a diet rich in fibre is strongly linked to a lower risk of serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.
Furthermore, the NHS notes that fibre helps us feel fuller for longer and supports healthy digestion, preventing constipation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlights fibre's role in blood sugar control and weight management, noting that it does not cause a spike in blood sugar like other carbohydrates.
For those looking to easily increase their fibre intake, the NHS suggests several simple swaps:
- Choosing a high-fibre breakfast cereal.
- Opting for wholemeal or granary breads.
- Eating potatoes with their skins on.
- Adding pulses like beans and lentils to meals.
- Including plenty of vegetables.
The health body does caution shoppers to be mindful of ingredients, advising that when buying nuts, for example, it's best to choose unsalted varieties without added sugars to maximise the health benefits.
