19 Healthy Snack Ideas That Won’t Ruin Your Diet

Here’s some good news: you don’t have to give up snacking when trying to lose weight. Nor do you have to go hungry. The key to weight loss is eating right and prioritising healthy, balanced meals over processed quick fixes. Here are some healthy snack ideas to help you live a healthier life and achieve your goals.

Healthy low calories snacks

Here are some of the best healthy snacks:

1. Carrots and hummus
2. Apple and peanut butter
3. Dark chocolate
4. Nuts and seeds
5. Tomato mozzarella salad
6. Eggs
7. Whey protein shake
8. Fruit
9. Parma ham and melon
10. Roasted chickpeas
11. Granola
12. Cottage cheese toast
13. Oatmeal cookies
14. Chia pudding
15. Turkey roll-ups
16. Whole grain toast, nut butter & hemp seeds
17. Air-popped popcorn and almonds
18. Edamame
19. Guacamole, salsa and pita chips

Healthy snacks for weight loss

If you want to curb your appetite and suppress hunger, it’s key to choose snacks that contain fiber, protein and fat. This combination balances blood sugar levels and keeps you fuller for longer.¹

#1 – Carrots and hummus

Hummus provides plenty of nutrients, as well as healthy fats, plant protein and fiber,² so it can be a great choice of snack. It can be paired with many things, including vegetable crudités. Carrots are a popular option, plus they’re a great source of fiber and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels, making them a weight-loss friendly food.³

If carrots aren’t for you, you could opt for cucumber, or some whole grain pita bread. Both are nutritious and great sources of fiber.

#2 – Apple and peanut butter

Apple and peanut butter (or any nut butter of your choice) are a match made in heaven: they taste great together. Apples are a nutrient-rich fruit, high in fiber and linked to reducing heart disease risk.⁴ Plus, nut butters are a great source of protein and fat. Some are fairly high in calories, so it’s a good idea to exercise portion control. Regardless, they can be a welcome addition to a balanced, healthy diet. Switch the apple for banana if you prefer.

#4 – Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are the ideal snack to reach if you’re trying to lose weight. They’re high in fat, but also filling, as healthy fats help to keep you full and satisfied for longer.⁶ You can enjoy a big handful on their own, or as part of a nut, seed and fruit mix. You could even sprinkle them on fruit, salads or cereal for some extra crunch and nutrients.

#5 – Tomato mozzarella salad

Few can rival the taste combination that is tomato and mozzarella: the two compliment each other perfectly. The flavour is particularly heightened when paired with basil leaves and balsamic vinegar or a splash of olive oil. It’s also referred to as a ‘caprese salad’, a staple in the Mediterrean diet.

This tasty snack contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium in the tomatoes. The cheese is a source of protein, as well as calcium, boosting energy and helping to maintain muscle mass.⁷

#6 – Eggs

Boil them, fry them, scramble them… However you like your eggs in the morning, or indeed at any time of the day, there are many benefits to incorporating them into your diet. The main reason is that they’re an excellent source of protein.

Protein not only maintains hunger levels, but also boosts metabolism. This is because protein has a higher thermic effect (the amount of calories it takes your body to digest food) than carbs or fat. It also increases muscle mass, promoting muscle growth when you do strength training.⁸

#8 – Fruit

You can’t really go wrong with a humble piece of fruit. Some of the best include:

• Grapefruit
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Passionfruit
• Kiwifruit
• Bananas
• Avocados¹⁰

Generally-speaking, fruit is high in volume and fiber while being low in calories, making it great for weight loss.

#9 – Parma ham and melon

Parma ham, or prosciutto, is a lean source of protein that’s rich in flavour, while also containing vitamins and minerals. This includes B12, iron and zinc.¹¹ Melon is a great pairing to bring out its flavour, creating a healthy snack under 200 calories. Melon also reduces your risk of disease and contains powerful antioxidants.

#10 – Roasted chickpeas

Crispy, delicious, and full of protein and fiber, roasted chickpeas are a firm favourite of many people trying to lose weight. They’re also easy to prepare and take with you on the go, making you less likely to choose high-sugar convenience foods.

#11 – Granola

Some shop-bought granola can be high in sugar and calories, particularly ‘chocolate’ or ‘syrupy’ varieties, so always check the label. But, on the whole, granola is packed with common ingredients known for their healthy qualities. This includes:

• Oats
• Almonds
• Flax seeds¹²

So, it can be a great choice for those trying to lose weight, particularly when paired with protein-rich greek yoghurt.

#12 – Cottage cheese toast

Cottage cheese is a low-fat cheese containing protein and calcium. When paired with whole grain bread, it can be a highly nutritious and delicious snack packed with fiber. To make it more interesting, pair with sliced banana, berries or chunks of apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.¹³

#13 – Oatmeal cookies

Counting calories can be a useful tool to help you eat more mindfully, but it doesn’t mean you need to give up all your favourite snacks. If you fancy a sweet treat, healthy oatmeal cookies can be a good option, particularly if you make them yourself. That way, you know exactly what’s going into your food, and have more control.

#14 – Chia pudding

Chia seeds contain 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, helping to promote gut health, while being slower to digest, helping you stay fuller for longer.¹⁴ They also deliver a huge amount of nutrients for very few calories, while being loaded with antioxidants. Add chia seeds to milk, plus sweetener of your choice (such as honey) and leave overnight for a delicious snack. Add nuts and berries if you fancy also.

#15 – Turkey roll-ups

Turkey is a lean source of protein, helping to keep you satisfied and preventing muscle loss. Turn it into a healthy snack by pairing it with cream cheese and cucumber and rolling it up.

#16 – Whole grain toast, nut butter & hemp seeds

The toast provides fiber, plus you have the combination of healthy fats, fiber and protein in the nut butter and hemp seeds. In fact, with hemp seeds, more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein.¹⁵

#17 – Air popped popcorn and almonds

Popcorn is a great choice of snack as it’s high in fiber and a good source of energy. Make it more satiating by pairing with almonds, high in protein and a source of healthy fat.

#18 – Edamame

Edamame is a source of both fiber and plant-based protein, making it a great hunger-crushing combination. They’ve also been linked to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of certain cancers and rich in minerals.¹⁶

#19 – Guacamole, salsa and pita chips

Guacamole contains avocado, pita chips provide fiber, and salsa is a source of vitamin C and can help you burn fat.¹⁷ It’s a perfect snack that’s bursting with flavours, while providing numerous health benefits. Salsa is also a good way to add flavour to your food without needing to cover it in salt or sugar.

Build healthy habits

Living and eating more healthily is a process that takes time, so start small. Every healthy change you make will bring you a step closer to your goals. Go at your own pace, and be patient with yourself. Even if you’re on a diet, you shouldn’t go hungry – it’s about eating right, not eating less!