By Tamara Jacobi

Can snacking actually help you lose weight? Potentially . . . if you’re a smart snacker!

The jury is out as to whether or not the act of snacking itself supports weight loss; everyone is unique in this regard. For some, snacking is largely responsible for those extra pounds (snacks are a common source of extra calories). For others, snacking is essential for keeping the tummy from rumbling, ensuring that energy levels stay high, and preventing over-eating.

Regardless, if you’re going to snack, and you’re also hoping to lose some pesky pounds (or simply maintain a healthy weight) then I highly recommend that you make your snacks count! There is scientific evidence that shows that certain foods can support your thyroid and give your metabolism a nice boost; both of which are essential for healthy, sustainable weight loss. Try snacking on these quality foods and support your body with losing those pesky pounds.

1.  Snack on seaweed.  Seaweed is not only one of the most nutritionally rich foods on the planet, it’s also a wonderful source of iodine. Iodine is essential for a healthy thyroid and therefore, key to a healthy metabolism. No time for sushi or fuss? No worries!  Try seaweed snacks; pieces of seaweed that are fried or baked to create crunchy snacks that are similar to potato chips . . . but even better because they contain less calories and are significantly better for you. Consider making your own seaweed crisps or buy them at your local Korean market or online. Or try simply snacking on nori paper (easy to find at your local grocery store). You can also get creative—the sky is the limit on what you can roll in nori paper, don’t stop at fish and rice, try wrapping up hummus, veggies and beyond. Seaweed really doesn’t have to slimy, or complicated, it’s actually tasty and fun!

2.  Add some coconut oil to snack time.  Yes, the high quality medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil can actually make you leaner and more energetic.  This fat can actually help burn fat off your body by revving your metabolism. Use coconut oil in place of butter, margarine and other oils. My favorite coconut oil snack? Kale chips made with coconut oil. Yummy! You can also try making popcorn using coconut oil instead of butter—a tasty tropical twist.

3.   When it comes to your thyroid, copper and iron are better than gold. Simple snacks containing copper include cashews, sunflower seeds and oysters.  To get a good dose of iron, look to snacks that include red meat (organic, free range jerky anyone?), beans and dark leafy greens (try my green smoothie recipe!). Want to make sure that you’re maximizing your iron absorption? Pair iron with some vitamin C rich foods such as citrus, red berries, tomatoes and bell peppers (try adding some berries to your green smoothie).

Happy snacking! Not only will your body be thinking thin, but adding these healthy snacks into your diet will also help build your nutritional foundation, reduce your crazy food cravings and keep you satisfied throughout the day.  But don’t forget about the importance of an overall healthy diet and exercise! Smart snacking is only the beginning of a healthy body and a healthy weight. Keep the healthy momentum going by checking out my free guide to listening to your body.

Tamara Jacobi, Certified Health Coach

Tamara Jacobi is a certified health and nutrition coach who received her training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is the founder of Jungle Girl Health, www.junglegirlhealth.com, offering health coaching over the phone to individuals who are ready to feel and look their best. By using whole foods for healing and lifestyle balancing techniques, Tamara helps people understand how to heal and nourish their bodies completely.

Tamara leads an adventurous and active lifestyle, dividing her time between the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Mexican Pacific coastline.  In Mexico, she is the owner and manager of the Tailwind jungle lodge, a certified sustainable jungle lodge and adventure tour company just north of Puerto Vallarta, www.tailwindjunglelodge.com. Tamara also guides adventure tours for the Tailwind jungle lodge including sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and hiking. In her free time she spends as much time as possible playing outside. She is a passionate skier, road biker, trail runner and stand up paddle boarder.