46 of the Best Snacks for Weight Loss (2024)

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The Mediterranean diet isn't just one of the healthiest in the world, it's also one of the most delicious. Plus, you can't beat eating a handful of olives for less than 100 calories. "This snack is packed with good-for-you fats from both the olives and the olive oil that will help keep you satisfied. Plus, tomatoes offer fiber, as well as cancer-fighting lycopene," says Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in Jersey City, NJ. Slice the tomatoes in half, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt.

Carrots are always a great hydrating snack, but when you add tahini to the mix, you up the protein big time. "Carrots contains high levels of antioxidants, while tahini contains more protein than milk and most nuts," says Michael Kubyk, nutritionist and fitness trainer at Lake Austin Spa Resort. And the best part? The combo makes for an easy on-the-go snack.

This whole-grain staple isn't just for breakfast. Gorin loves eating oatmeal as a snack — but with a tasty twist. "Oats are a good source of filling fiber, and the almond butter offers mono- and poly-unsaturated fats that are satiating and heart-healthy." But instead of using flavored oatmeal, go with a packet of unsweetened instant oatmeal. "Many flavored oatmeals contain a lot of added sugar. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, you can sprinkle on some cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder. Then stir in a tablespoon of almond butter," she says.

Ready for a powerhouse snack? Nuts and figs make for an easy — and crazy-nutritious — mix. "Brazil nuts contain high amounts of selenium, which supports immune function and boosts metabolism. And seasonal figs provide a textural satisfaction containing high levels of magnesium," Kubyk says.

Adding spice to something so sweet might seem weird, but this fiery snack is worth trying. "Simply slice a mango and dust a cup of slices — about half a mango — with chili powder for a kick," Gorin says. "Eating spicy foods may temporarily give your metabolism a slight boost."

When you don't have time to cut up fruit and veggies, there's another option that requires zero prep: "I love these fruit bites from KIND because they're made with just fruit and no added sugar — and each pouch is equal to one serving of fruit," Gorin says. She recommends pairing them with a piece string cheese for some added protein.

What's more refreshing than a smoothie? By adding in the right ingredients, it will keep you full until your next meal. "Just blend together 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries with half of a frozen banana, 1/3 cup low-fat milk, and 4 ounces low-fat plain Greek yogurt," Gorin says. "At just 210 calories, it's a winner: the wild blueberries offer filling fiber and antioxidants, you'll get added fiber from the banana, and the milk and yogurt provide protein."

It's hard to argue with something that's so easy, and so good. Try this recipe from The Well Necessities founder Lisa Hayim, R.D.: Thinly slice apples and coat them with two tablespoons powdered of peanut butter — regular PB works fine, too — and a little cinnamon, then top off with a light sprinkling of dry muesli (granola tends to pack on added oils and sugars). This balanced snack has a cravings-curbing mix of protein and fiber, and cinnamon may even work to rev up your metabolism.

"This duo is packed with protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol in check," says registered dietitian, Rebecca Scritchfield, R.D., author ofBody Kindness. In addition to offering a slew of vitamins and minerals (potassium, calcium, folic acid, and more), its velvety, buttery richness feels like an indulgent treat, which helps you keep feeling full for longer.

Indulge in this sweet and savory combo with zero guilt, even if you guzzle down a whole bowl in one sitting: "Fresh melon is satisfying because of the sweet flavor and high-water and fiber content. Top with hot sauce for a pungent kick and added boost to your metabolism from the capsaicin [it contains]," says Julieanna Hever, R.D., author of The Vegiterranean Diet.

Scritchfield suggests this flavorful and energy-boosting treat whenever hunger seeps in, thanks to the nuts' combo of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. "Warm your favorite nuts on the stove with a variety of spices. Try almonds with lemon juice and curry powder for a savory, crunchy duo. Curry powder helps to reduce inflammation and aids in digestion," says Scritchfield.

Hayim makes this simple salad her go-to for between meals to stave off hunger. Combine equal parts chopped cucumbers and tomatoes and drizzle generously with red wine vinegar. "The high-water content vegetables will keep you feeling full and satisfied. The red wine vinegar may also help to control blood sugar spikes," says Hayim.

Registered dietitian Lauren Minchen recommends using paprika not only to flavor this healthy snack, but also to boost your metabolism, reduce your appetite, and lower your blood pressure. Cut a zucchini into thin slices and toss in 1 Tbsp olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 450°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Oatmeal is a low-fat, high-protein superfood that your body digests slowly — meaning you'll stay satisfied longer — because of all of its bulky soluble fiber. Minchen swears by this easy recipe: Combine 1 cup dry quick oats, 2/3 cup coconut flakes, 1/2 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup whole chia seeds, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/3 cup raw honey, and 1 tsp vanilla. Let the mixture cool in the refrigerator for 1 hour in an airtight container, then roll into 1-inch balls, which you can eat throughout the week.

To improve thyroid function — the gland manages growth and metabolism — look no further than a low-calorie, low-fat hard-boiled egg, suggests registered dietitian Amy Shapiro. If you like spice, drizzle your snack with sriracha sauce. "It contains capsaicin, a compound found in chile peppers that helps burn calories and fat," says Karen Ansel M.S., coauthor of The Calendar Diet.

An ounce of turkey jerky has 10 grams of protein but only about 60 calories, which makes the fat-free snack a good thing to stash in your desk or to eat on the go, says Ansel. Since protein is digested more slowly than fat or carbs, it keeps you feeling full longer. Mustard's a low-cal, high-flavor topper.

Whether you make it with an air popper or in the microwave, popcorn is full of fiber and has few calories. Registered dietitian Laura Cipullo suggests sprinkling it with nutritional yeast. The nutty, almost cheese-like flavored flakes are a great source of vitamin B12, a nutrient that helps boost metabolism and burns stored fat and calories.

Peanut butter is high in healthy fat and contains loads of filling protein, which your body can put toward building muscle tissue. Cipullo recommends toasting Ezekiel bread, which is made from sprouted grains and legumes that, when combined, create a complete protein.

"Foods with a high water content keep us feeling full so we eat less, and few natural foods have more water than melon," says Ansel. One cup is around 90 percent water and has only about 45 calories. The addition of balsamic vinegar helps activate pepsin, a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.