10 Best Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

If you’re looking to shed some pounds, finding healthy snacks to munch on throughout the day can be a real challenge. It’s all too easy to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar when you’re feeling peckish, but those choices won’t do your waistline any favors.

Eating smart snacks with the right ratio of calories and nutrients will keep your body energized and at the same time help to lose weight.

Snacks rich in protein can boost the metabolic rate that may result in to increase in calorie burn. Likewise, you should also choose snacks that are fiber-rich as they help to improve digestion.

Many people who want to shed unwanted fat are doing various tricks to succeed and achieve their goals. Most people engage in a workout while others follow a strict diet fad. Losing weight shouldn’t be too strict to the point that you’re starving.

Following smart snacking can also help in losing weight. This means that you’ll need to follow plans in-between meals so that you’ll not overeat during the regular meals.

In taking snacks, make sure that it contains the required calorie content and other nutrients. If you don’t have any idea about the right snacks to take, the best thing to do is to seek help from nutritionists to ensure that you’re on the right track.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best healthy snacks for weight loss, including easy recipes and snack ideas that are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a savory snack, these options will keep you on track toward a healthier, happier you.

Best Snacks for Weight Loss

1. Turkey Jerky with mustard

Eating an ounce of this snack idea contains 60 calories and about 10 grams of protein. The good thing about this snack is that it is fat-free that’s why it’s guaranteed that you’re not adding fat and weight.

Protein is digested slower than carbs or fat that’s why you’ll feel full longer.

Turkey jerky with mustard is a tasty and healthy snack that’s easy to make at home. Here’s a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of turkey breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the turkey strips to the bowl and toss to coat the meat well.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
4. Preheat your oven to 175°F (80°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Arrange the marinated turkey strips on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
6. Bake the turkey jerky for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is dry and chewy.
7. Let the turkey jerky cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it in an airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade turkey jerky with mustard as a healthy snack or on the go!

2. Popcorn

This snack idea is fiber-rich but low in calories. It’s easy to make popcorn either through a microwave or an air popper. Dietitians are recommending sprinkling the popcorn with nutritional yeast.

It contains vitamin B12 that aids in boosting your metabolism at the same time burns the calories and fat stored in your body.

3. Melon with Balsamic Vinegar Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

Eating foods that contain more water will make you feel full, thus you’ll surely eat less. Eating one cup of melon contains 45 calories and 90% water.

Drizzling balsamic vinegar into melon will help in activating pepsin. It’s a useful digestive enzyme that helps in breaking down proteins and converting them to amino acids.

Melon with balsamic vinegar is a classic Italian combination that brings out the sweetness of the fruit and adds a tangy and complex flavor to the dish. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ripe honeydew melon, cut into small chunks or balls
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A pinch of salt
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt until well combined.
2. Arrange the melon chunks or balls on a serving plate.
3. Drizzle the balsamic-honey mixture over the melon.
4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
5. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or dessert.

Enjoy your delicious and easy melon with balsamic vinegar recipe!

4. Baked Zucchini chips with sea salt and paprika

Baked zucchini chips with sea salt and paprika are a healthy and delicious snack that’s easy to make at home.  Paprika is not only for flavoring, but it’s also helpful in improving metabolism, lowering blood pressure and reducing appetite. Here’s a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Add the zucchini slices to the bowl and toss to coat the slices well.
4. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the zucchini chips for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Let the zucchini chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving plate.
7. Serve the zucchini chips immediately as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy baked zucchini chips with sea salt and paprika!

5. Mixed Nuts

Nuts are perfect for a snack, but make sure to choose nuts that are grain-free. Nuts are high in fiber and protein that’s why eating them can make you feel full, thus eating less. Eating plain almonds along with hemp milk is recommended. (1)

6. No bake Oatmeal Bites

Oatmeal is healthy and considered as a superfood because it is high in protein but low in fat. Eating oatmeal will make you satisfied for a longer time because of the soluble fiber.

Here’s a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup of natural peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Once the mixture has chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into bite-sized balls.
4. Place the oatmeal bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Let the oatmeal bites chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
6. Store the oatmeal bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

7. Cottage Cheese-filled Avocado For Weight Loss

Cottage cheese-filled avocado is a quick and easy snack or light meal that’s both healthy and delicious. This is a perfect combination of fruit and dairy. It is perfect if you are craving something creamy and savory. All you have to do is to fill the avocado with 2 oz of 1% cottage cheese.

This snack contains 200 calories, 7 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein.

Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
• 1/2 cup of cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Scoop the cottage cheese mixture into the two avocado halves.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
4. Serve the cottage cheese-filled avocado immediately as a healthy and filling snack or light meal.

 

8. Canned tuna and whole wheat crackers

Canned tuna and whole wheat crackers are quick and easy snacks that are packed with protein and healthy fats. A can of tuna contains lean protein and Omega-3. You can eat canned tuna and six whole wheat crackers for the snack. You can obtain 20 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole wheat crackers

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the tuna, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Serve the tuna mixture with whole wheat crackers.
3. You can also add some sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

 

9. Lentil Salad with Watercress and Tomatoes for Weight Loss

Salads are not just for mealtime as they’re also great for an afternoon snack. Lentils are a superfood and adding other veggies to make salad is a smart idea.

Lentil salad with watercress and tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here’s a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups of watercress, washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
2. Drain any excess water from the lentils and let them cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the lentils, chopped red onion, minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and chopped watercress.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the lentil salad and toss well to coat.
6. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled.
7. Enjoy your delicious and healthy lentil salad with watercress and tomatoes!

8. Kale Chips for Weight Loss

Kale chips provide about 150 calories. It’s easy to make. You will need 1 cup of bite-sized kale leaves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix all ingredients and bake at 350° F (175° C) for 10-15 minutes.

Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
• Optional: any other seasoning of your choice (such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash and dry the kale leaves thoroughly. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the kale pieces into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until the kale is evenly coated with the oil.
4. Sprinkle sea salt and any other seasoning of your choice onto the kale, and toss again.
5. Spread the kale out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the kale is in a single layer, without overlapping.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the kale is crispy but not burnt.
7. Remove from the oven and let the kale chips cool for a few minutes before serving.

Kale chips are a great alternative to high-calorie snacks like potato chips or crackers. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them nutritious snacks that can help you feel full and satisfied. However, it’s important to keep in mind that portion control is still key when it comes to weight loss. Enjoy kale chips in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Considering those snacks listed above will satisfy your hunger in-between meals. This will prevent overeating, thus losing weight effectively. Eating healthy snacks is the key to achieving healthy body weight and eventually obtaining the physique that you desire.

Having excess weight is never a big deal as long as you are determined to lose weight. As you want to lose weight make sure to refrain from eating foods that will make you gain weight.

Keep in mind that losing weight is more difficult than gaining weight. All you have to do is to stick with what is healthy.  Therefore, you must stick to consuming smart snacks that will help you lose weight and keep you healthy.