Many weight loss articles speak about not snacking, but it can be a benefit to your weight loss journey. There is evidence showing the right snacks can help with weight loss. Snacking on foods filled with protein and fiber is an excellent way to stay satiated throughout the day. It can also help you eat fewer calories.
Luckily, there are numerous nutrition-packed foods that are low in calories.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Often referred to as nature’s multivitamins, a large, hard-boiled egg has just under 80 calories, all the while providing your body with six grams of protein, vitamins A and B12, healthy fats, selenium, and phosphorous. These snacks are easy to take with you and go well with other healthy foods like fruit, nuts, veggies, and cheese.
Preparing a hard-boiled egg is as simple as placing raw eggs (still in the shell) in water, heating the water to a boil, and keeping it at a boil for seven to 10 minutes, depending on how hard you like your eggs.
Hummus and Veggies
It is a well-known fact that eating your veggies is a step on the track to better health. Vegetables offer countless ways of reducing the risk of many chronic health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
This spread is made from olive oil, salt, chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. Just blend all the ingredients in a blender. The combination of protein and fiber-rich vegetables — such as radishes, celery, broccoli, and bell peppers — makes for a low-calorie snack packed with fiber and protein.
Cucumber Slices and Chicken Salad
Another delicious low-calorie snack is sliced cucumbers with chicken salad.
To make your chicken salad, combine some shredded chicken with smashed avocado or mayo. You can then mix it with avocado, low-calorie mayonnaise, mixed herbs, scallions, and even carrots or celery. Put a scoop on a cucumber slice for a tasty, fiber-packed lunch with protein to boot.
Vegetable Soup
Soup can be an excellent snack because of its water content, helping to keep you full on fewer calories. Studies show that a veggie-based soup before meals can help reduce calorie intake by 20 percent.
Making vegetable soup is as simple as combining all your favorite ingredients in a large pot. Start with a little bit of water or oil, celery, carrots, garlic, and onion. Add a little salt and pepper, then let these ingredients sauté for five minutes. After this, add the other ingredients you want and let the soup cook for a half hour to an hour.
Cocktail Shrimp
These tasty crustaceans are a fantastic low-calorie snack if they are not fried or scampi. A few shrimps only cost you about 80 calories and are chock-full of vitamin B12, selenium, iron, and protein.
Almond Butter and Dark Chocolate
Who knew low-calorie food could taste this yummy.
High-quality dark chocolate has many health benefits. For instance, it is full of polyphenol antioxidants such as anthocyanins, epicatechin, and catechin, which are anti-inflammatory.
When paired with almond butter, you have a delicious snack that is packed with benefits. Better yet, there is almost no preparation required. Just dip a piece of dark chocolate in some almond butter.
Tomatoes Stuffed with Tuna Salad
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, which is shown to benefit heart health and reduce cancer risk. Lycopene is better absorbed with fat, so stuff your maters full of tuna salad.
For added benefit, prepare your tuna with mayonnaise, olive oil, or avocado. Add whatever other finely chopped vegetables you want in your tuna salad. Just cut the tomatoes in half and place some tuna salad on top.
A small tomato with tuna salad is about 150 calories.
Fruits and Nuts
Snacking on the likes of dried cherries and almonds is an excellent way to eat healthy without all the calories. Cherries provide vitamin A and fiber, while the nuts give you protein, magnesium, and fiber. Their flavors together make them the perfect snack combo.
Best of all, there’s no preparation required, as you just need to grab a handful of each.
Coconut Chips
Dried coconut is a healthy, delicious snack. It is loaded with fiber and healthy fats and is an ideal substitute for chips.
Purchase these or make some yourself. Simply toss unsweetened coconut flakes in coconut oil and bake for about 10 minutes at 300˚F.
Nut Butter with a Banana
A sweet banana paired with the nutty, salty flavor of peanut, almond, or cashew butter is a tasty, healthy snack. With this snack, you will get protein, potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
Just spread your favorite nut butter over a banana to enjoy.
Smoothies
When looking to add more veggies or fruits, smoothies are the perfect way to go. You can make a quick, nutritious meal with a few ingredients. Leafy greens, frozen dark berries, and protein powder combine to make a tasty meal.
Some ingredients to consider adding are cacao nibs, flax, coconut, chia seeds, and nut butter. These will give you the protein you need. For low calories, go easy on the coconut and nut butter and heavy on the greens and berries. Just blend your favorite ingredients together in your blender and enjoy.