![40 Healthy Snacks To Help You Cut Cravings and Lose Weight (1) 40 Healthy Snacks To Help You Cut Cravings and Lose Weight (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-997945066-1633011425.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=640:*)
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It's 3:00 p.m. and your stomach is screaming for a snack.
You could turn to the vending machine for a bag of stale chips, but as you already know there are better options out there. Better options that will help you actually feel full, supply your body with some nutrients, and even taste good going down. Do they require a bit more pre-planning than selecting "B6" on a vending machine? Sure. But once you've worked them into your daily routine, healthy snacking for weight loss or maintenance becomes a very easy thing.
But let's back up. What makes a healthy snack for losing weight or staying at the weight you want? Ideally, you'll want a snack that includes a mix of complex carbohydrates and protein to keep you full, says Dena Champion, registered dietician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. So, essentially, not a bag of stale chips.
Champion recommends thinking of snacks as mini meals. "Snacks can be a wonderful time to fill up on nutrients like whole grains, fruits and vegetables," she says. Which is actually smart: If you're looking for nutrient-dense foods at mealtime to fill you up, you'd do the same thing when selecting a snack, right?
And don't overcomplicate things. There's no need to obsess over counting macros or calories. Just choose something that tides you over until the next meal. Here are 40 picks that you can easily make, buy, or just take with you.
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1
Avocados and Tomatoes
The fatty acids and fiber found in avocados keep you full for longer. In fact, avocados eaters weighed less, had smaller waists, and lower body mass indexes, according to one study. Pair avocados with tomatoes, which are low in calorie but full of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports healthy blood pressure. Do this in guacamole with whole-wheat chips and you've got it.
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2
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is great: one-half cup is loaded with probiotics, calcium, and 12 grams of protein. Stay away from cups that are high in added sugar. Your best bet: Buy plain yogurt and add fresh fruit and nuts.
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While it doesn't have the protein oomph of animal or fish jerky, mushroom jerky brings it with the fiber. You'll eat six grams of fiber for only 110 calories in this stuff.
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4
Oatmeal
Oats aren't just for breakfast, and individual cups are perfect snack drawer staples. Plus, they'll keep you satisfied until dinner. In fact, people who ate instant oatmeal were less hungry and ate fewer calories at their next meal compared to people who ate cereal, according to a study. Just be sure to look for plain or low sugar options.
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Although there'snothing wrong with pork rinds, there’s also nothing wrong with these pea-protein-based copycat snacks.
And if we hadn’t told you about that, you would not have known the difference, taste-wise.
One serving has 7g protein and 13g carbs for 130 calories.
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7
Apples and Peanut Butter
If you crave sweets, there's no better snack than fruit. Studies show that diets rich in fruits, like apples and pears, help with long-term weight loss. Slather a Honeycrisp with a little peanut butter for a satisfying mix of fiber, fat, and protein.
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Almond-rich dietshave been shown to help people lose weight and reduce their risk of heart disease. So stock up and toss them in your yogurt, DIY trail mix, or eat themstraight-up.
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9
Setton Farms 2 LB Premium Pistachios Dry Roasted w/Sea Salt
9
Setton Farms 2 LB Premium Pistachios Dry Roasted w/Sea Salt
Not a fan of almonds?Try pistachios instead. They are richer in flavor, but still offer plenty of health benefits. A12-week study found thatpistachio eaters had lower lipid levels, one indicator of high blood pressure. Pistachios are prefect on their own or added to ayogurt bowl.
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Salsa is naturally low in calories and made from vegetables. And, in this case, fruit.
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Bananas arerich in potassium, which is vital for muscle, nerve, and brain function. Plus, they have three grams of fiber per serving. Pair with PB for a boost of protein and fat, which will keep you full longer. Bare offers plain banana chips without added sugar if you need a snack that won't get smooshed.
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12
Sweet Potato Toast
For a different take on toast, cut and bake sweet potatoes over the weekend. Sweet potatoes have a high water content and plenty of fiber, which suppresses appetite. Top with ricotta and salt and pepper.
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Popcorn, a surprising source of fiber, unsurprisingly always sticks to your teeth.
Not Pipcorn,which uses small kernels and tastes nuttier than regular popcorn. One serving has3g protein, 120 calories and18g carbs, 3g of which arefiber).
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14
Egg on Whole Grain
If you prefer something more traditional, throw a slice of whole wheat in the toaster. Top with a hard boiled egg, and you have a satisfying mini meal. And don't worry about cholesterol: one egg a day won't increase your risk of heart disease.
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This can of bubbly water spikes its flavor with lemon juice and a little rosemary extract. It fills you up, so yes, consider it a snack. Pair it with any other snack on this list. One big, 16-ounce can has only 1 calorie.
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16
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is one of the most overlooked foods in the grocery store. But here's a reason to add it to your cart: one 5.3 ounce cup packs in roughly 16 grams of protein. Top with tomatoes, avocado, and a little salt and pepper for a savory treat.
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17
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Boneless
17
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Boneless
No, really! Sardines are high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. All they need is a squirt of lemon juice, a little flaky sea salt, and the next item to taste great.
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They're high in flavor and fiber (six crackers carry three grams of the nutrient). Nice and hearty, too.
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19
Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are the perfect fiber-rich, filling, low-calorie snack you're probably not eating. Whip up the cruciferous vegetable in a pan with salt and olive oil. Add a soft boiled egg for extra protein. If you like things spicy, chili flakes are a great topper and the capsaicin found in peppers has been shown to increase satiety.
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Smoothies are an easy and tasty snack.Many are chock full of fruits and vegetables thatare high in fiber, to help you stay full. Whip one up at home or try a ready-made servicelike Daily Harvest.