Having the right snacks on hand can be the make-it or break-it component to a successful weight-loss journey. If you’re working on reducing body fat or maintaining a healthy weight, it’s a good idea to do a clean sweep of your fridge and pantry and get rid of any unhealthy temptations—and replace them with good ones.
Here are 10 snacks that not only taste great, but will have your back when it comes to weight management.
1. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Why we love them: Hard—or soft boiled—eggs are the perfect anytime snack thanks to how portable and versatile they are. You can eat them as is, or add them to salads, soups or grate them over healthy bowls for an instant hit of protein, known to support weight-loss efforts.
Nutrition info:
1 large egg, 77 calories, 6 g protein, 5 g of fat, 0.5 g carbohydrates
2. Hummus and Veggies
Why we love them: There’s something oh-so-satisfying about a snack you can dip that has creaminess and crunch—and this one happens to be one of the healthiest. Not only do hummus and crudités combine fibrous vegetables and high-protein legumes for that magic weight-loss combo, but you can make it different every time with different vegetables. Try peppers, cucumbers, celery, carrots, asparagus or broccoli—plus you can jazz up hummus with hot sauce, spices and flavored oils.
Nutrition info:
1 cup serving, 89 calories, 4.5 g protein, 2.7 g fat, 14 g of carbohydrates
3. Edamame
Why we love it: Edamame is the perfect handheld snack that has the power to satisfy salty cravings while delivering some major health benefits. Edamame is loaded with protein as well as vitamin K and folate
Nutrition info:
½ cup, 122 calories, 11 g protein, 5 g fat, 10 g carbohydrates
4. Dark Chocolate
Why we love it: Dark chocolate is the perfect treat to satisfying a sweet tooth that has considerable benefits. It’s great for cutting back on sugar while still enjoying something sweet because it satisfies a craving in fewer bites and is high in fiber at 11 grams per bar. Look for 70% dark chocolate or higher to get the health benefits.
Nutrition info:
¼ bar, 170 calories, 2 g protein, 12 g fat, 13 g carbohydrates
5. Cottage Cheese
Why we love it: Cottage cheese may sound like your mom’s diet food but it’s back on trend and for a good reason! Not only is it affordable but it’s low-cal, low-carb and loaded with quality protein. It’s easy to enjoy anytime, anywhere—simply serve and eat. Jazz it up by adding berries, nuts, maple syrup and other toppings to prevent food boredom.
Nutrition info:
½ cup, 120 calories, 12 g protein, 5 g fat, 6 g carbohydrates
6. Greek Yogurt
Why we love it: High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is lower in sugar than regular yogurt, it satisfies hunger and keeps you feeling full.
Nutrition info:
½ cup, 60 calories, 10 g protein, 0.5 g fat, 3.6 g carbohydrates
7. Mixed Nuts
Why we love them: Nuts are tiny powerhouses of antioxidants and other nutrients and despite their high-fat content they help to keep us feeling full for longer. The best nuts for weight loss are almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Nutrition info:
1 ounce, 172 calories, 6 g protein, 15 g fat, 6 g carbohydrates
8. Apple and Almond Butter
Why we love them: Apple slices dipped in nut butter is a match made in heaven. Great anytime of day or as a healthy dessert alternative, you can keep your weight in check by trading traditional sweet treats for the natural sugar in apples paired with smooth almond butter, an excellent source of protein and monounsaturated fats.
Nutrition info:
1 apple and 1 tbsp almond butter, 193 calories, 3.7 g protein, 9.3 g fat, 26 g carbohydrates
9. Funky Monkey Protein Shake
Why we love it: A low-cal, high-protein shake that tastes like a chocolatey peanut-butter milkshake is always a good idea for curbing cravings and supporting diet efforts. All you need is a half a banana, 1 cup of milk, 1 scoop of high-quality chocolate protein powder and 2 tbsp of peanut butter whirled together in a blender.
Nutrition info:
1 cup, 256 calories, 14 g protein, 7 fat, 37 g carbohydrates
10. Crispy Chickpeas
Why we love them: Chickpeas are another fiber- and protein-packed duo, and the reason we love them is because they can be enjoyed alone as a handheld snack or added as a crunchy topping to salads, soups, Buddha bowls and healthy dips like hummus.
Nutrition info:
100 gram, 164 calories, 9 g protein, 2.5 fat, 27 g carbohydrates
*The links used in this article are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. or any of its affiliates (“Iovate”) of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Iovate bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
