The Snack That May Help You Lose Weight

You don't have to follow the three-square-meals-a-day maxim—with absolutely no snacking in between—in order to stay svelte: Women who eat whole fruit between meals may be less likely to be overweight or obese than non-snackers are, suggests a new Baylor College and Louisiana State University study.

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The researchers analyzed 24-hour food diary data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, comparing the snacking habits of 18,988 people. Although the most preferred snacks—things like cake and cookies—were associated with excess calorie intake, munching on fruit between meals had several positive outcomes compared to skipping snacks altogether. The fruit-eaters took in less saturated fat and more potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin c. The result? The diets of fruit eaters were more nutritionally stacked than the diets of people who didn't refuel throughout the day.

MORE: 4 Delicious Ways to Eat More Fruit

This translated to physical benefits, including smaller waists and a 16 percent lower risk of being overweight or obese, although these differences didn't reach statistical significance. So don't be afraid to snack—particularly if you view it as a way to address your nutritional blind spots.

MORE: The Best Packaged Fruits and Veggies

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