When the words “weight-loss” and “snacks” appear in the same sentence, the words “tasteless” and “cardboard” may spring to mind!

In this post, I’m giving you my best ‘weight loss friendly’ snacks that are both healthy, nutritious and delicious!

To be classed a ‘weight loss friendly’ snack, it needs to be a nutrient-dense, whole food that contains protein and/or fibre.

Here we go:

1 – Nuts

It’s true – nuts contain calories and fat, but they are NOT fattening!  – (Unless you eat masses of them of course!) – Oh and I’m not talking about the honey roasted ones by the way!

Studies show that people who eat nuts tend to be healthier and leaner.

Nuts also contain protein and fibre, which means a small amount can go pretty far in terms of filling you up. Plus there are a heap of vitamins and minerals in nuts.

Did you know that almonds have been shown to assist in weight loss? At least 10% of the fat in them is not absorbed by the body, and almonds can also help to boost your metabolism!

So…stick a handful of unsalted/unsweetened nuts into a small container and throw it in your bag.

2 – Fresh Fruit

As with nuts, studies show that people who eat more fruit, tend to be healthier. (No suprise there then!)

Yes, fresh fruit  does contain sugar, but whole fruits (I’m not talking juice or sweetened dried fruit) also contain a fair bit of water and fiber; not to mention their nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And fresh fruit is low in calories.

Fibre is something that not only helps to fill you up (known as the “satiety factor”) but also helps to slow the release of the fruit sugar into your bloodstream and reduce the notorious “blood sugar spike.”

Happy Days!

Try a variety of fruit (apples, pears, berries, etc.) and pair that with a handful of nuts.

If you can’t get fresh, try frozen or tinned.

3 – Chia seeds

Love Chia Seeds! …

Chia is not only high in fibre (I mean HIGH in fibre), but it also contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids. As well as antioxidants, calcium, and magnesium.  They also absorb a lot of liquid, so by soaking them for a few minutes, they make a thick pudding (that is delicious and fills you up).

Try putting two tablespoons in a bowl with ½ cup of nut milk and wait a few minutes. Add in some berries, chopped fruit or nuts, and/or cinnamon and enjoy!

4 – Boiled or poached eggs

I know, I know!

But…eggs are packed with nutrition and most of it is in the yolk. They also contain a lot of high-quality protein and a good amount of vitamins and minerals.

Recent research shows that the cholesterol in the yolks is NOT associated with high elevated cholesterol or heart disease risk.

Try batch boiling some eggs and keep them in your fridge for a super-quick (and nutritious) snack!

5 – Vegetables

I don’t need to tell you how great veg is for you do I? It’s also a delicious powerhouse of nutrition!!

Veggies contain fibre and water to help fill you up plus of course, vitamins, minerals and antioxidents.

What’s easier than opening a bag of pre washed baby carrots? You could even grab a bag of cherry tomatoes, sugar snaps, (of course cucumber wedges) and what would we do without the amazing avocado – which is the ultimate “grab and go” healthy food!

If you fancy a bit of a dip, why not try almond butter on celery, apple or pear?

Go, on … try one or more, of these healthy snacks…Prepare them the night before if you need to and I guarantee there will be nothing tasteless or cardboard like about them!