Once you enter the world of fitness or simply start caring more about your body, you realize that one of the biggest enemies to weight loss is that between-meal snacking. Although the easiest solution is usually to try to avoid snacking altogether, there are times when temptation cannot be resisted and you end up giving in, so the best approach is to do it with the right snacks. Content creator and fitness expert María Amador has clarified that you don’t need to go hungry or make things more complicated. In one of her YouTube videos, she analyzed the Mercadona snacks to demonstrate that you can snack between meals without wrecking the calorie deficit.
Among all the supermarket options, the creator highlights a clear winner for those moments when you crave something at all costs: the camper-style breadsticks and Mexican sauce. “It’s a snack and a great lunch, very quick, that you can even take in a lunchbox to work,” she asserts. In those moments when you’re very hungry and can’t wait, María Amador suggests putting aside potato chips and opting for a “star combo”—a salty, fast, and very easy-to-find choice at the supermarket: camper breadsticks with Mexican sauce.
On one hand, the expert explains that the camper breadsticks are made with simple, high-quality ingredients, such as flour, salt, olive oil and yeast, so they are a great option for the diet and can be counted “like any other carbohydrate, such as potatoes,” although she cautions to watch the amount to avoid exceeding calories. On the other hand, to flavor them she recommends pairing them with Mexican sauce, a product that barely has 38 calories per 100 grams since it is mainly made from tomato, onion and pepper. About this combination, María notes that “you probably thought it wasn’t healthy”, but the reality is that it turns out to be ideal for dipping the breadsticks or giving a tasty touch to other dishes like tacos and pizzas without sabotaging your weight.
Ten Mercadona Snacks to Lose Fat
Throughout her supermarket journey, the expert details her 10 essentials to avoid derailing the weight-loss process:
1. Rice, Corn, or Legume Cakes
They provide a lot of volume and keep you full quickly. María advises avoiding flavored options (such as ham-flavored or rustic-style) because they contain low-quality oils and sugars. “The best ones are all the plainest of them all,” she notes. Her favorites are the legume-based ones because they deliver about 100 calories for every 4 units.
2. Traditional Corn Flakes
To avoid pastries or kid-friendly cereals loaded with sugar, the best option is plain corn flakes (98% corn), especially the ones that are sugar-free. And the expert offers a trick to enjoy them without them tasting bland: “You prepare these cereals with a protein shake and it gives them a crunchy touch.”
3. Crunchy Muesli 0%
If you prefer the texture of granola, this option is perfect because it does not contain maltitol. “It’s ideal if you crave something sweet to add to yogurt,” she says.
4. Popcorn
Microwave bags often contain palm oil, so Amador recommends buying the raw corn kernels. Pour 30 grams into a pan with a few drops of olive oil to calm the craving: “It’s a great option because in the end it’s like potatoes.” That’s why she recommends making them yourself instead of buying them ready-made.
5. Pickles
Gherkins are very low in calories: “You can literally eat the whole jar if you want.” Lupini beans, meanwhile, make a fantastic snack because they provide 12 grams of protein per 100 grams.
6. Cured Pork Loin
It is one of the best protein sources among the cured meats you can find (38 g of protein per 100 g). Being filling, it prevents the temptation to snack later: “Often you’re hungry because you don’t reach your daily protein target.” Additionally, she explains that the individually wrapped portions are ideal because they already indicate the portion you should stop at.
7. 92% Lean Turkey Breast
Another clean, low-calorie option (89 kcal per 100 g) to accompany with bread, picos, or rice cakes.
8. Light Greek Yogurt
A staple for snacks. Amador emphasizes checking the label: it should contain only milk, powdered milk, dairy proteins, and cultures. Being the light version, it provides less fat and allows toppings such as chopped fruit.
9. Natural Protein Yogurt
Although flavored varieties are popular, the expert favors the natural version to avoid daily artificial sweeteners. It contains 12 grams of protein per pot and pairs wonderfully with fruit or a handful of cereals.
10. Skimmed Peanut Powder
Has about 70% less fat than conventional peanut butter. It’s a great alternative to flavor yogurts or oats without suddenly adding extra calories.
