Are you working to eat better, but you don’t want to give up snacking? You’re not alone! Most of us are on the hunt for snacks that are not only filling but also won’t sabotage our weight loss efforts. The great news is that you can let nothing stop you from savoring some scrumptious snacks without sabotaging your weight loss or getting in the way of building muscle.
In reality, the right snacks can help you burn fat and power through your sweat session and your 9 to 5. That all sounds like a win-win, right?
So let’s take a closer look at some tasty weight loss snacks that can keep you feeling satisfied, fight against cravings, and even possibly help that scale tip in your favor.
How Snacking Can Actually Help You Lose Weight
Snacking has a bit of a bad rap when it comes to losing weight, but done right, snacking can improve your diet and keep you on track to end the year a little lighter and healthier. Picking fat-burning products as snacks helps keep your metabolism charged up and discourages overeating at mealtime.
Think of your body like a wood-burning fireplace, you’ve got to keep adding the right kind of wood (in this case, food!) to stoke the fire (your metabolism) and keep it burning bright. Skip meals, eat empty calorie snacks and that fire sputters.
So, the key? Smart snacking.
8 Healthy Snacks to both Satisfy and Fill You Up
Here are some tasty bites filled with the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats — the kind of mix you need to get your fat-burning, weight loss supporting engine running.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
This combo is rich, sweet, and full of advantages. Greek yogurt is high in protein, so you feel full longer. Berries, meanwhile, are packed with fiber and antioxidants.
TipPlain, unsweetened yogurt plus your own fruit can prevent the added sugars.
You could even top it with a sprinkle of chia seeds for an omega-3 boost!
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Never underestimate the power of the humble egg. They’re a force at snack time. Eggs are packed with protein and key nutrients like vitamin D and choline.
Quick fact: A large egg comes with about 6 grams of protein and can help stave off hunger for hours.
Keep some hard-boiled eggs on hand in your fridge for a grab-and-go snack.
Nuts — Particularly Almonds and Pistachios
Need something crunchy and filling? A few nuts does the job. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber and protein. They keep your blood sugar stable and prevent cravings.
Portion control counts: Keep it to around 1 ounce (approximately 23 almonds, or 49 pistachios).
Consider pre-portioned baggies to prevent mindless munching.
Hummus with Veggies
Looking for a savory, meal-worthy snack? Some hummus + sliced cucumbers, carrots or bell pepper = easy, low cal, high nutrient happy hour snacking. The fiber in the veggies and the protein in hummus are a powerful pair when it comes to torching fat.
Plus it’s a fab way to nourish your gut with plant-based goodness.
Cottage Cheese, with Pineapple or Nuts
Cottage cheese is another protein laden snack that also fuels fat burning. It’s also filled with casein, a slow-digesting protein that’s ideal for staying full in between meals.
Toss in some chunks of pineapple for sweetness, or a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
Bonus: It’s also the perfect bedtime snack, helping to repair your muscles while you sleep.
Avocado on Whole-Grain Toast
Avocados are not just a trend — they are also chock full of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Mix mashed avocado with whole-grain bread and you have a healthy snack that helps trim belly fat and keeps you satisfied.
Add: A flurry of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon for more flavor.
This one is more of a mini-meal, and can hold you over between lunch and dinner with ease.
Protein Bars (But Check the Labels!)
All protein bars are not created equal — many are full of sugar and odd additives. But the right ones can serve as handy snacks for staving off hunger and fueling your recovery from workouts.
Seek bars that have: A minimum of 10 grams of protein, low sugar (<5 grams) and fiber.
Stash one in your bag or desk for the late-afternoon energy lulls.
Apples with Nut Butter
It’s a classic for a reason. When mixed with apples (a sweet-tasting food) nut butter, which is high in healthy fats, prevents your blood sugar levels from rising.
Tip: Make sure to opt for natural nut butters with out added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
This is just the thing for when you want something fast, clean and sexy.
How to Snack Greener
Yes, snack are able to help you manage weight loss as long as they are consumed in the context of a balanced meal. Here are a few, easy tips to help you snack smart:
- Plan ahead: Have a stash of healthy snacks on hand so you can avoid grabbing junk food when hunger strikes.
- Don’t snack out of boredom: Ask yourself if you are really hungry. before grabbing something.
- Watch the size of portions: Even healthy snacks can rack up in calories.
- It is all about balance: Try selecting snacks that provide protein, fiber and a healthy fat for optimal outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Losing weight doesn’t have to mean giving up all of your favorite snacks, thanks to these low-carb chips and crackers. In fact, selecting the best ones can help you reach your weight loss goals more quickly. The catch is to spread them out, keep servings moderate and eat whole, unprocessed foods.
The next time you’re feeling a little peckish, you may want to bypass the vending machine and opt for one of the following fat-burning snacks. Your body — and taste buds — will thank you.
Which one will you try first?
More Guidelines for Successful Weight Loss
If you want to maintain course and keep moving forward, here’s a list of the simple stuff:
- Drink more water: frequently we think we’re hungry when we are actually thirsty.
- Get more sleep: Not getting enough sleep could lead to more cravings for high-calorie foods.
- Use your body!Snacking the right way is good, but combining healthy snacking with moving your body every day can make a tremendous impact.
Every small step counts. So just one smart choice off this list in place of one type of snack you are currently eating could be an incredible step towards your health goals!
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey or trying to lose those last few pounds, stocking your pantry with foods that can help control your appetite and keep you satisfied is a must.
When you resist the urge to eat low-quality garbage and you concentrate on nutrient-dense, fat-burning snacks that also taste pretty yummy, what you’re doing is not only fueling your temple but you’re also making it a whole lot easier to travel the weight loss road.
Happy snacking!
If you enjoyed this, share with a friend who is always in search of yummy healthy snack ideas!
