Who’s getting their beach body ready for the warmer summer weather?
You may have put on a few extra pounds during the holiday season. If you have, don’t worry. It happens to all of us. But as summer approaches, you’re probably looking to shed that extra fat and slim down so you look great in a bathing suit (and maybe less?).
Achieving weight loss goals doesn’t mean depriving yourself of tasty snacks. With the right choices, you can enjoy delicious treats while progressing towards your weight loss objectives.
Here, we present 20 healthy, low-calorie snacks that can help you lose 20 pounds or more by the summer.
Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt combined with fresh berries is a delicious snack packed with nutrients. Greek yogurt offers a good source of protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating later.
Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, are low in calories, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, making them an ideal accompaniment to yogurt. Together, they create a satisfying and nutritious snack that can aid in weight loss.
Air-popped Popcorn
Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks. To make it healthy, avoid buying the buttery-bagged stuff you just throw in the microwave.
Opt for air-popped popcorn as a low-calorie snack for a satisfying crunch without guilt. Unlike its butter-laden counterpart, air-popped popcorn is a whole-grain snack with fiber and low calories. You can enjoy a generous serving with only about 30 calories per cup without derailing your weight loss goals. To add flavor without piling on extra calories, sprinkle your popcorn with a dash of nutritional yeast or your favorite herbs and spices.
Sliced Cucumber with Hummus
Once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Crisp cucumber slices paired with creamy hummus make for a refreshing and satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down. Cucumbers are low in calories and water content, helping you stay hydrated and full between meals. Meanwhile, hummus provides protein and healthy fats, promoting fullness and satiety. Together, they create a flavorful and nutritious snack perfect for satisfying midday cravings.
Edamame
Edamame, or young soybeans, are a nutritious and filling snack that can aid in weight loss. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, edamame helps keep you feeling satisfied and energized throughout the day.
With just over 100 calories per half-cup serving, edamame provides a satisfying crunch and can be enjoyed on its own or sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt for added flavor.
Rice Cakes with Avocado
Rice cakes topped with mashed avocado offer a satisfying combination of crunch and creaminess, making for a delicious and nutritious snack.
Rice cakes are low in calories and provide a neutral base for various toppings, while avocado adds healthy fats and fiber to help keep you feeling full. Sprinkle with a dash of sea salt and black pepper for extra flavor, or add sliced tomatoes or radishes for an added crunch.
Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
If you like pineapple, this will become your go-to snack.
Cottage cheese paired with fresh pineapple chunks creates a sweet, savory, satisfying, and nutritious snack. Cottage cheese is high in protein and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss. Meanwhile, pineapple is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a burst of tropical flavor and sweetness without added sugars.
Together, they create a balanced snack to help curb cravings and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
Veggie Sticks with Guacamole
Crunchy veggie sticks paired with creamy guacamole make for a satisfying and nutritious snack that is perfect for dipping. Choose colorful vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and celery to maximize nutritional benefits while keeping calories low. Guacamole provides healthy fats and fiber from avocado and flavor from lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
They create a satisfying snack packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your weight loss journey.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a convenient and portable snack rich in protein and nutrients to support weight loss. With only about 70 calories per egg, they provide a satisfying boost of energy without the added sugars or refined carbohydrates found in many snack foods. Hard-boiled eggs are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium, making them an excellent choice for overall health and well-being.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Apple slices paired with peanut butter create a classic snack combination that is both satisfying and nutritious. Apples are low in calories and fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied between meals.
Peanut butter provides a dose of healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling energized and satiated. For the healthiest option, opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils, and enjoy this delicious snack anytime cravings strike. Just be sure not to go overboard with the peanut butter.
Kale Chips
Wait, hear me out. Kale chips probably aren’t what you’re thinking. You’re not eating Kale as you would in a salad.
Kale chips offer a crunchy and flavorful alternative to traditional potato chips that is lower in calories and higher in nutrients. Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. To make kale chips, simply toss kale leaves with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake until crispy. With only about 50 calories per serving, kale chips are a guilt-free snack that can help satisfy cravings while supporting your weight loss goals.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and satisfying snack rich in protein and fiber to support weight loss. Simply toss cooked chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast until crispy. With only about 140 calories per half-cup serving, roasted chickpeas provide a filling and nutritious snack that can help curb cravings and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
Banana Slices with Dark Chocolate
Banana slices dipped in dark chocolate create a decadent and satisfying snack perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Bananas are naturally sweet and rich in potassium and fiber, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants and flavonoids that can help support heart health. Enjoy this indulgent treat in moderation as a guilt-free way to satisfy cravings while supporting your weight loss goals.
Bell Pepper Slices with Hummus
Colorful bell pepper slices paired with creamy hummus make a nutritious and satisfying snack perfect for dipping. Bell peppers are low in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants, while hummus provides protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy this crunchy and flavorful snack anytime hunger strikes to help support your weight loss goals.
Turkey Roll-Ups
Turkey roll-ups are a protein-packed snack that is easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go. Simply roll slices of lean turkey breast with your favorite vegetables, such as cucumber, bell pepper, or spinach, then secure with a toothpick. With only about 50 calories per roll-up, turkey roll-ups provide a satisfying and nutritious snack that can help curb cravings and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
Almonds
Almonds are a nutritious and satisfying snack that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to support weight loss. With only about 160 calories per ounce, almonds provide a filling and energizing snack that can help keep you feeling full between meals.
Don’t buy the sugary almonds because that will add calories and defeat the purpose.
Enjoy a handful of almonds on their own or with dried fruit for a sweet and savory treat that satisfies cravings without derailing your diet.
Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Cherry tomatoes paired with fresh mozzarella cheese create a flavorful and satisfying snack that is perfect for summer. Cherry tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamins and antioxidants, while mozzarella cheese provides protein and calcium to support weight loss and bone health. Enjoy this simple and delicious snack anytime you need a quick and nutritious pick-me-up.
Celery Sticks with Almond Butter
Celery sticks paired with almond butter create a crunchy and satisfying snack rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support weight loss. Celery is low in calories and high in fiber, making it the perfect vehicle for creamy almond butter. With only about 100 calories per serving, celery sticks with almond butter provide a nutritious and filling snack that can help curb cravings and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
Cottage Cheese with Cherry Compote
Cottage cheese topped with homemade cherry compote is a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Cottage cheese is high in protein and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight loss. Meanwhile, cherry compote adds natural sweetness and flavor without added sugars. Enjoy this creamy and satisfying snack anytime you need a healthy indulgence.
Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are a crunchy and flavorful alternative to traditional chips that are low in calories, vitamins, and minerals. With only about 25 calories per serving, seaweed snacks provide a satisfying crunch and umami flavor that can help satisfy cravings without derailing your diet. Enjoy seaweed snacks on their own or with sushi for a nutritious and satisfying snack that supports weight loss.
Frozen Grapes
Frozen grapes are a refreshing and nutritious snack perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without added sugars. Simply freeze grapes until firm, then enjoy them straight out of the freezer for a cool and refreshing treat. With only about 100 calories per cup, frozen grapes provide a guilt-free snack that can help curb cravings and keep you on track with your weight loss goals.