When the cravings strike, it’s do or die. Having the right snacks waiting in the wings when you feel a bit peckish is the key to staying on track with your food choices.
Most of the time, the snacks we choose are our downfall when trying to lose weight. The key is to pick a rotation of tasty, healthy snacks to have on hand all the time.
That way, when you have a desire for something, it’s easy to reach for the healthiest option. Let’s dig into twenty-one great snack ideas to add to that rotation.
1. Bell Peppers
Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing bell peppers are a great snack choice for sating those cravings. They’re also super colorful, making them an attractive option when you have a hankering.
A few sliced-up bell peppers are a simple choice for a snack, requiring almost no work. Keep them in the fridge, ready to whip out at a moment’s notice. Pair them with hummus to make them extra filling.
Check out more paleo-friendly snacks!
2. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for many other store-bought brands because of the reduced sugar. It’s also full of good probiotics to promote healthy digestion, helping you get the most nutrients possible.
Thanks to the minimal sugar in this kind of yogurt, it’s a great snack hanging around in your fridge. And remember, a drizzle of honey goes a long way!
3. Berries
There are so many different varieties of berries, each with its own unique taste and texture to offer. Each variety also bursts with antioxidants, so they’re a great way to kick a sweet craving healthily.
It’s easy to toss a handful of berries in your mouth while on the go, so they’re great as a low-effort snack. You can also give dried berries a try, as you don’t need to store them in the fridge.
4. Apple Slices
If you’re a fan of fruit, apple slices are another quick and easy snack option to nip those sweet cravings in the bud. Apples are cheap and readily available year-round, so they’re great to keep in the rotation.
If you get bored of plain apple slices after a while, try spreading them some with nut butter to bulk up the snack.
5. Kale Chips
I think kale gets a bad reputation for its taste, but kale chips are actually delicious. Salty and crunchy, they’re the perfect substitute when you are desperate for a bag of chips.
You can buy kale chips pre-made at the supermarket for convenience, but they’re even better when you make them at home. All you need is a little oil, some kale, some salt, and a sheet pan.
6. Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is good for the soul, and it’s healthy to indulge in moderation. If you’re craving a weight-loss-friendly version of milk or white chocolate, high percentage dark chocolate is the way.
This is a deep and dark snack with a little bit of bite and not a lot of sugar. It should satisfy a chocolate craving without all the added sugar. Plus, many studies have connected dark chocolate to heart health!
7. Hummus
There are so many different hummus varieties, so you’ll never get bored with this as a snack choice. From your tried-and-true garlic variety to the more colorful beetroot hummus, there’s something for everyone.
You can enjoy your daily dollop of hummus on some sliced fresh vegetables, a cracker, or even just on a spoon. Whatever you have handy will work, so this is a versatile snack choice.
8. Mozzarella
Think of this like string cheese, but without all the processing. Mozzarella cheese is delicious and full of protein, so it’s the perfect solution to keep your tummy full of good, high-GI foods.
You can also combine it with some of the other snack ideas on this list to keep things interesting. Mozzarella dipped in hummus, anyone?
Check out more high protein snacks on the go here!
9. Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are one of the latest superfoods to hit the scene, and I totally understand why. These little seeds are perfect for keeping you full and satisfied for ages, and they absorb flavor like a sponge.
That’s why I love chia puddings so much. These straightforward puddings are great for a sweet, healthy, filling treat, whether you have them for breakfast or as a snack between meals.
10. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the most straightforward healthy snack ideas. Each egg is packed with protein, so a couple of them will easily keep you running until your next meal.
Plus, they’re so easy to make. If this enters your snack rotation, I highly recommend investing in an egg cooker. They’re cheap, simple to use, and cook your egg to perfect every time!
11. Nut Butters
From peanuts to hazelnuts, each nut variety has its collection of healthy fats that your body needs. Nut butters are a protein-rich, cost-effective, and highly versatile snack.
Get creative and dip your favorite vegetables into the mix; carrots are delicious with nut butter. Alternatively, eat it off a spoon to get your dose of delightful protein.
12. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is another protein-rich snack option that’s great for weight loss. It’s important to choose brands that don’t use excess sugar in their formula, so read the back of the packet!
You can also try making your signature style of beef jerky from scratch at home if you’re truly committed. It takes a little while, but the result is a flavorful, low-sugar, high-protein treat that you’ll enjoy.
13. Watermelon
Watermelon is great for refueling and rehydrating all in one go. These delicious melons are 92% water, so they’re refreshing, and a great summertime treat.
They’re high in energy and absolutely delicious. The next time you find yourself reaching for a bag of gummy worms, divert to a slice of watermelon. Your brain and your body will thank you for it!
Check out more low calorie snacks here!
14. Smoothie
A good smoothie is its own reward, and you can often make a delicious smoothie that tastes just like a milkshake. They’re also great for taking on the go or as a last-minute breakfast option.
I highly recommend picking up a good protein powder if you’re going to introduce smoothies into your snack rotation.
The powder makes it more filling, but it’s also a great way to experiment with different flavors! Need inspiration? Check out these weight loss smoothies you can have as a snack.
15. Oranges
Oranges are absolutely bursting with vitamin C and natural sugars, making them an ideal summer snack. Boost your immunity while reducing your processed sugar intake with this quick and easy snack.
Because they’re encased in their skin, oranges are also fantastic for taking on the go with you. Whether you’re headed to work, to study, or even on a hike, oranges are a great option.
16. Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts are simple, tasty, and great for eating any time of the day or night. Full of protein and good fats, a pack of mixed nuts will keep you going for longer and help your weight loss journey.
Try buying your mixed nuts in bulk to save you money, as pre-packaged small bags can run pretty expensive.
17. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are the slightly sweeter, healthier, and more filling cousin of the humble potato. Try whipping up some baked sweet potato wedges if you find yourself craving some fries.
They’re easy to make and require almost no time to come together, but they’re just as good as their potato counterparts.
18. Avocado / Guacamole
Not only is avocado rich in healthy fats to promote brain and bone health, but they’re also utterly delicious.
Whether in the skin or smashed into guacamole, avocados are a savory, creamy treat that’s hard to beat. Spread onto rice cakes or simply eat out of the shell; it’s delicious either way!
Find more superfoods to boost your healthy diet!
19. Roasted Chickpeas
I love having roasted chickpeas in my snack rotation. They’re easy to make in bulk on a Sunday, so you’ll have ample supply for the week, and you can flavor them however you like.
The best part is how these tiny little gems taste. They’re crunchy and slightly chewy in the middle, and with your favorite seasoning on top, these will be utterly addictive.
20. Edamame
Edamame – also known as soybeans – are quickly gaining popularity as a snack food. They’re another protein-rich choice that taste as filling as they feel. Plus, they’re super easy to make.
The best part is buying edamame in the shell from your local supermarket. Simply fry them in a pan with some oil and garlic for a delicious snack that will keep you feeling full and healthy.
21. Trail Mix
Finally, we have the all-important trail mix! No matter the variety you choose, this is a tried-and-true snack choice that will get you through even the most intense junk food cravings.
Nuts and dried fruits team up to fill your stomach, while little extra treats like dark chocolate help combat those sweet cravings. With something this diverse, you can never get tired of the taste.