With "how to lose weight" being one of the most searched terms online, we understand the desperate need for more information on the subject. The truth is that you are looking at fat loss rather than weight loss. The latter can be achieved by eating less, but for fat loss, you need to eat nutritious foods high in protein and other essential micronutrients. However, in a busy life, this can be challenging. To help you out, here are 10 healthy snacks you can add to your daily eating schedule to see effective fat and weight loss.
1. Mixed Nuts
One of the best, on-the-go snacks on this list is mixed nuts. Make a combination of cashews, almonds, foxnuts, Brazilian nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, and much more. An excellent healthy snack for weight loss, you can eat them after soaking them overnight or roasting them in advance and keeping them ready when your hunger pangs hit. It covers all the essentials of healthy snacks as it is full of protein, healthy fibers, and key micronutrients. However, they can be a calorie bomb in large quantities, so make sure to only eat a handful or so as a snack.
2. Greek Yogurt With Berries
Greek yogurt is the thicker, more protein-rich version of the humble curd. While this is an excellent source of protein and great as a standalone healthy snack, you can make it even more nutritious and palatable by adding some berries to the mix. When it comes to healthy snacks for weight loss, few are as effective as blueberries. Rich in fiber, blueberries also have a ton of antioxidants that will boost your overall sense of health and well-being. For more tart flavors, you can try adding raspberries instead of blueberries.
3. Apple With Peanut Butter
No conversation on healthy snacks is complete without talking about peanut butter. But don’t just spread it on a piece of bread or crackers when you have a far better alternative. Boost the fiber content by dipping some crisp apple slices into a serving of peanut butter and you have a snack that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Therefore, it will keep you fuller for longer, an important requirement for all healthy snacks for weight loss. However, make sure to always opt for peanut butter that is only seasoned with salt and doesn’t contain any added sugars.
4. Fruit With Cottage Cheese
When choosing high-protein healthy snacks, pair them with high-fiber foods to aid digestion. With this logic, you can’t go wrong with cottage cheese and fruits. Boasting almost 25 grams of protein in just one cup, it is also a great source of healthy fats. Pair them with tropical fruits such as watermelon, papaya, or pineapple to create a perfect healthy snack for weight loss.
5. Dark Chocolate With Almonds
You must have come across articles boasting about the mood-boosting benefits of dark chocolate. Now, you can also munch on your favorite dark chocolate as a healthy snack for weight loss. The antioxidants in the dark chocolate are great from a micronutrient perspective. Pairing them with almonds ensures you get a dose of protein and healthy fats as well. That being said, be sure to have small quantities of both as they are quite nutrient-dense when compared to other healthy snacks.
6. Cucumber With Hummus
Hummus is a Middle Eastern delight and this rich and creamy sauce is great for making healthy snacks. Made using chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, and tahini, hummus is a wonderful source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. However, since it is a dip, you should pair it with cucumber for a refreshing snack. Dip the crunchy cucumber in the flavorful hummus and munch away!
7. High Fibre Fruits
Looking for healthy snacks for weight loss where you don’t have to prep or plan in advance? Then the humble fruit is your best. An apple, pear, grapefruit, or orange are all great healthy snacks, offering a rich source of fiber and carbohydrates to keep you on your toes throughout the day. If none of these sound appealing, simply grab some berries as you head out the door and you will have all the healthy snacks you need to keep you going.
8. Boiled Eggs
For all you keto enthusiasts, eggs are nothing short of the holy grail. But for everyone else, hard-boiled eggs are equally appealing as a healthy snack for weight loss. Rich in protein and fats, you can steer clear of any cholesterol-related concerns by sticking to 1 or 2 eggs a day as a snack. Don’t forget to eat the yolk as it is chock full of important micronutrients such as vitamin D and choline.
9. Protein Smoothie
Falling short on your protein goals? Why not add a protein smoothie to your healthy snacks armory? Use a plant-based or whey protein of your choice and blend it with any fruits or veggies you like to create a well-rounded and nutritious healthy snack for weight loss. Want even more protein? Throw in some Greek yogurt or silken tofu into the mix and you are golden.
10. Homemade Popcorn
Popcorn can be your best friend when it comes to healthy snacks. We are talking air-popped, salted popcorn here, not the ones you find in theatres that are full of butter and flavors. Popcorn is rich in fiber and you can literally eat bowls without overshooting your calories. Therefore, in terms of satiety and quantity, it is a must-have healthy snack for weight loss/fat loss.
The Takeaway
To sum it up, make a note of all these healthy snacks mentioned in the list and your weight loss/fat loss journey should be pretty smooth. However, remember that the whole point of healthy snacks is to reduce hunger pangs, so only consume them in small quantities. Try not to go overboard on some snacks, especially mixed nuts and dark chocolate. Lastly, don’t forget to have portioned, nutritious meals and pair them with these healthy snacks for sustainable weight loss.