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Top 10 Low-Calorie Snacks for Weight Loss doesn’t mean you have to give up snacks. The key to successful weight loss is choosing nutritious, low-calorie snacks that keep you full, prevent overeating, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a list of the 10 best low-calorie snacks that can help you on your weight loss journey while you enjoy delicious flavors.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt with berries is a delicious and healthy snack, perfect for those looking to lose weight or maintain a balanced diet. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, which helps keep you feeling fuller longer, and promotes digestive health thanks to its probiotics. When combined with berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, you get an extra boost of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins. Plus, its natural sweetness reduces the need for added sugars. This snack is not only nutritious but also refreshing and easy to prepare, perfect for any time of day.
Calories: 100-150 per serving (1/2 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup berries)
Benefits: High in protein, promotes gut health, and helps curb hunger.
Tip: Choose plain Greek yogurt to avoid added sugars.
Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a light, crunchy, and low-calorie snack, ideal for those looking for healthy options without sacrificing flavor. Since it doesn’t contain oil or butter, it’s an excellent source of fiber, which helps improve digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, it’s naturally low in fat and can be customized with spices like cinnamon, paprika, or nutritional yeast for an extra touch of flavor without the extra calories. Easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day, air-popped popcorn is a healthy and delicious alternative.
Calories: 30 per cup (air-popped, unbuttered)
Benefits: High in fiber, low in calories, and excellent for digestion
Tip: Season with herbs or a pinch of nutritional yeast to enhance the flavor
Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a healthy, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare snack, ideal for those looking for a protein-rich, low-calorie option. They are an excellent source of essential amino acids, healthy fats, and vitamins like B12 and D, which support muscle health and the immune system. Additionally, their high protein content helps keep you feeling fuller longer, preventing unnecessary cravings. Versatile and practical, boiled eggs can be enjoyed alone, with a pinch of salt and pepper, or as part of a salad, making them an essential part of a balanced diet.
Calories: 70 per egg
Benefits: High in protein, rich in healthy fats, and promotes muscle recovery
Tip: Sprinkle with black pepper or chili flakes for extra flavor
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Apple slices with peanut butter are a delicious and balanced snack, perfect for a healthy diet. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, which help improve digestion and maintain satiety, while peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats for sustained energy. This combination not only satisfies sweet cravings naturally but also provides essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Easy to prepare and take anywhere, this snack is ideal for a light breakfast, a snack, or a pre-workout energy boost.
Calories: 150 per serving (½ apple + 1 tablespoon of peanut butter)
Benefits: Provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats
Tip: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils
Carrot and Cucumber Sticks with Hummus
Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus are a healthy, refreshing, and nutrient-dense snack. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber, while cucumbers provide hydration and freshness. Combined with hummus, a source of plant-based protein and healthy fats from chickpeas and olive oil, this snack helps maintain satiety and stabilize energy levels. It’s also low in calories and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for a light and nutritious snack. Perfect for satisfying hunger without compromising a balanced diet.
Calories: 100 per serving (1 cup of vegetables + 2 tablespoons of hummus)
Benefits: High in fiber, aids digestion, and promotes satiety
Tip: Opt for homemade hummus to avoid added preservatives
Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
Cottage cheese with pineapple is a delicious, creamy, and nutritious snack, ideal for those looking for a light and balanced option. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, essential for muscle and bone health. Pineapple, meanwhile, provides a sweet and refreshing touch, as well as fiber, vitamin C, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, which promote digestion. This combination not only satisfies hunger in a healthy way but also provides sustained energy without excess calories. Easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day, it’s a delicious and satisfying option.
Calories: 120 per serving (1/2 cup cottage cheese + 1/4 cup pineapple)
Benefits: High in protein, supports bone health, and aids digestion.
Tip: Choose low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese to reduce calories.
Avocado Rice Cakes
Avocado rice cakes are a light, nutritious, and delicious snack, perfect for a healthy diet. The rice cakes are low in calories and provide a crunchy base, while the avocado provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins like E and B6. This combination helps maintain satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide sustained energy. You can add a touch of salt, pepper, lemon, or even chili flakes to intensify the flavor. Easy to prepare and versatile, they are ideal for a light breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout snack.
Calories: 140 per serving (1 rice cake + ¼ avocado)
Benefits: Helps regulate blood sugar, keeps you fuller longer, and provides heart-healthy fats.
Tip: Sprinkle with chili flakes or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is a healthy, filling, and easy-to-prepare snack, ideal for a balanced diet. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which aid digestion, promote satiety, and provide sustained energy. When mixed with milk or a plant-based alternative, they absorb liquid and create a delicious, creamy texture. It can be naturally sweetened with honey or fruit, and cinnamon or vanilla can be added for extra flavor. This pudding is perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack, offering health benefits without excess calories.
Calories: 120 per serving (2 tablespoons of chia seeds + ½ cup of almond milk)
Benefits: High in fiber, aids digestion, and helps control appetite.
Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or some berries for a natural sweetness.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, healthy snack packed with plant-based protein and fiber, ideal for keeping you full and providing a balanced energy boost. They’re an excellent alternative to processed snacks, as they contain complex carbohydrates that aid digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels. Plus, they’re easy to prepare: just bake them with a little olive oil and your favorite spices, such as paprika, turmeric, or garlic powder, for a delicious flavor. Versatile and nutritious, roasted chickpeas are perfect for a guilt-free snack between meals.
Calories: 120 per 1/2 cup
Benefits: High in fiber, supports gut health, and keeps hunger at bay
Tip: Season with paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of sea salt to enhance their flavor
Dark Chocolate with Almonds
Dark chocolate with almonds is a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the intense flavor of cocoa with the crunchy texture of nuts. Dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa) is rich in antioxidants and can help improve heart health and brain function. Almonds, meanwhile, provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which help maintain satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. This combination is not only satisfying and energizing, but also a healthier option for satisfying sweet tooth without overindulging.
Calories: 150 per serving (1 small piece of dark chocolate + 5 almonds)
Benefits: Helps control sugar cravings, promotes heart health, and keeps you feeling full.
Tip: Control portions to avoid overconsumption of calories.
FAQs
Q-1. What snacks can I eat without gaining weight?
Ans. You can stay full without gaining weight by eating low-calorie, high-fiber, and protein-rich snacks like air-popped popcorn, Greek yogurt, and hummus with vegetables.
Q-2. Are low-calorie snacks good for weight loss?
Ans. Yes, low-calorie snacks help control hunger, reduce overeating, and support weight loss by keeping calorie intake in check.
Q-3. How many calories should a weight-loss snack have?
Ans. To give you energy without going over your daily calorie intake, a healthy snack should have between 100 and 200 calories.
Q-4. What snacks help burn belly fat?
Ans. Protein and fiber-rich snacks, such as avocado, almonds, and Greek yogurt, can help with weight loss and eventually reduce belly fat.
Q-5. Can I eat snacks at night while trying to lose weight?
Ans. Yes, but to prevent consuming too many calories, opt for foods high in fiber or protein, such as chia pudding, cottage cheese, or boiled eggs.