Satisfying Snacks That Assist With Weight Loss

Unpeeled apples are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, and health-promoting vitamins and minerals. Pairing sliced apples with a dollop of your favorite nut butter, like almond or peanut, will add protein and healthy fats for a hearty hunger fix.

For optimum health benefits, stick with a “natural” nut butter with only one or two ingredients and no added sugar.

When it comes to healthy snacks on the go, hard-boiled eggs are hard to beat. These orbs of protein are perfectly portable and very filling, which can help quell cravings in between meals. Eggs are also an egg-cellent source of essential nutrients like vitamin D, folate, selenium, and riboflavin.

The unlikely combination of cantaloupe and cottage cheese is surprisingly scrumptious, not to mention satisfying! Protein-rich cottage cheese provides a perfect contrast to the mellow sweetness of the melon, which is rich in free radical-fighting beta carotene.

Simply slice a ripe cantaloupe in half, scoop out the seeds to make a bowl, and fill it with plain cottage cheese.

Greek yogurt is thicker and contains almost twice the protein of regular yogurt, thanks to its unique straining process. Skip the pre-sweetened varieties, which are loaded with sugar. Instead, sweeten plain yogurt yourself with a handful of your favorite berries, which add disease-fighting antioxidants and insoluble fiber that helps keep you feeling full.

Sprinkle on some nuts for a pinch more protein.

Whether you make it on the stove or in a popcorn maker, homemade popcorn is a healthy, whole-grain alternative to chips, which are often highly processed and cooked in unhealthy oils. This satisfying snack is low in calories and sugar but high in fiber and beneficial plant compounds.

Instead of dousing your popcorn in butter and salt, toss it with grated parmesan and smoked paprika. Check out 10 other delicious options in our article, Butter-Free Popcorn Seasoning Ideas.

Like magic, you can transform bananas into a soft-serve frozen dessert without additional sweeteners, dairy, or any other ingredients. Simply freeze ripe banana slices, then put them in a blender or food processor, and blend. Once the bananas are thick and creamy, put them in a container and freeze again for several more hours. \

Serve this simple dessert in a bowl alone or with your favorite ice cream toppings. The nutritious, nondairy treat will satisfy your sweet tooth while helping you stick with your healthier eating goals. One caveat: if the bananas are completely frozen, you'll need a pretty powerful blender.

This healthy combination is just as tasty as you remember from childhood. Crunchy celery pairs perfectly with smooth salted peanut butter, while the raisins add a burst of sweetness to every bite.

Celery is high in filling fiber and low in calories, while peanut butter packs in some protein. Not a fan of PB? Use any nut butter, cream cheese, or ricotta instead.

If you’re hungry for a high-protein, plant-based snack with a little crunch, just reach for the nearest can of chickpeas! Drain and rinse, toss them with olive oil, sea salt, and your favorite spices, then roast in the oven until golden and crispy.

As well as being a cheap source of high-quality protein, chickpeas are high in fiber and blood sugar-regulating magnesium.

Need an emergency snack? These tubes of protein will fill you up fast and keep you satisfied until the next mealtime. Simply wrap deli turkey (or lunch meat of your choice) around a slice of cheese to make a cylinder shape, and secure with a toothpick.

Feel free to tuck some fresh veggies inside (think a stick of cucumber or carrot) to meet your five-a-day quota and squeeze in a little extra fiber.

If you’re craving chocolate, why not get some health benefits out of the deal too? Save cakes and cookies for dessert, and get your fix with several squares of dark chocolate and a handful of roasted almonds instead. The richly sweet and salty flavors make for an irresistible combination that only tastes overly decadent.

Pure dark chocolate (made with at least 70% cocoa) is loaded with antioxidants, while almonds contain healthy fats and protein.