One of the keys to successfully losing weight is not feeling deprived. Feed yourself when you are hungry and ensure that you have a balanced ratio of macronutrients. Carbs provide quick fuel, protein repairs tissue, and fat will keep you full for longer. Since protein and fat digest more slowly, ensuring that your snack contains a decent amount of each will help satiate you. Breaking down and utilizing protein actually requires more energy from the body; 20-35% of the calories you consume in protein are burned as your body processes it. Take advantage of protein’s thermic effect by eating high-protein snacks.
Top 9 Snacks to Eat While Losing Weight
1. Almonds
Almonds are great for you, help you feel full for longer, and while they are low in overall carbs, they are high in fiber and protein. Salted almonds may be hard to stop eating, so try raw unsalted almonds. If that’s too boring for you, try a mix of raw cacao nibs with almonds or coat your almonds in cinnamon and raw cacao powder. Chocolate is amazing for you and is associated with a lower BMI.
2. Popcorn
One cup of plain air-popped popcorn provides only 31 calories and about 0.4 grams of fat, making it low in both calories and fat, plus it has one gram of fiber and one gram of protein per cup.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has long been thought of as a diet food, and there is now scientific evidence that grapefruit can aid weight loss. To make it interesting, try garnishing grapefruit with some fresh herbs (perhaps mint, basil, or tarragon). For a more substantial snack or mini-meal, try a simple shrimp, avocado, grapefruit salad.
4. Hard-Boiled Egg with Sriracha
A hard-boiled egg has a nice balance of protein and fat and you can top it with some seasoning or spice to keep it interesting. An egg with a bit of sriracha is a great weight loss snack.
5. Pear Pairings
Pears are a high-fiber fruit that can fill a sweet craving. Add a bit of protein and fat to give your snack some staying power. Slice a pear and eat it with a source of protein and fat, like Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, goat cheese, brie, or walnuts, and sprinkle it with some cinnamon to add extra flavor.
6. Canned Fish on Crackers
Fish is high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught salmon, sardines, or smoked mackerel all make great toppings on a whole-grain cracker. Smear a bit of your favorite condiment (maybe some cream cheese or mustard) on a high-fiber cracker, top it with a bit of fish, and add fresh ground pepper or thinly sliced onion for a satisfying snack.
7. Turkey Avocado Roll-Ups
Pairing turkey and avocado will get you a healthy, easy snack that is high in protein, fiber, and good fats. Roll up a slice of avocado in a turkey slice and enjoy!
8. Veggies with Dip
Try sliced vegetables with an Asian-inspired dipping sauce or a spicy yogurt dip that is way healthier than ranch or French onion dip. Try making a hummus to take advantage of the filling fiber in beans that could also help you lose weight.
9. Gazpacho
You can eat a lot of veggie-filled gazpacho for very few calories. If you make it spicy, you’ll also take advantage of the weight loss effect of capsaicin. Try our gazpacho recipe!