Veggie Sticks and Hummus
Fresh vegetables paired with hummus make for a timeless and nutritious low-calorie snack. With their vibrant colors, carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers offer essential vitamins and fiber. The protein-rich hummus helps keep hunger at bay. As a general rule, a serving of one sliced carrot with 2 tablespoons of hummus amounts to approximately 100 calories, making it a satisfying and guilt-free option.
Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
Apples are a satisfying and low-sugar snack that supports gut health, fullness, and protection against obesity, cancer, and heart disease. Pairing them with protein-rich peanut butter creates a nutritious combo. Choose sugar-free peanut butter for fewer calories. One small apple with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter is around 270 calories. Alternatively, try a small banana with 2 tablespoons of almond butter for a similar snack.
Greek Yogurt and Blueberries
To satisfy a sweet tooth, try Greek yogurt with blueberries. Greek yogurt is rich in calcium and protein, while blueberries offer vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. A serving of 200g Greek yogurt with 70g blueberries is about 180 calories. Get creative with toppings like fruits, nuts, and seeds for variety.
Berry Smoothie
Berries are packed with polyphenols, which provide numerous health benefits, like reducing inflammation, protecting against cancer, and supporting gut health. Enjoy a refreshing smoothie by blending one cup of mixed berries with unsweetened almond milk. This delicious drink contains only around 100 calories. Smoothies are versatile, so feel free to explore different fruit, milk, and juice combinations to find your favorite.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for hormone production, circulation, and genetic function, as well as inflammation control. These fats contribute to preventing heart disease, managing eczema and rheumatoid arthritis, and potentially protecting against cancer. Enjoy a delicious snack by spreading one tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese on two slices of smoked salmon, totaling around 100 calories. For added freshness and fiber without many calories, consider adding cucumber.
Dark Chocolate-Dipped Banana
Bananas are rich in soluble fiber, promoting gut health, regulating blood sugar, and potentially preventing heart disease. Dark chocolate serves as a mood booster and satisfies chocolate cravings in a healthy manner. Enjoy a simple snack by dipping one banana in a tablespoon of dark chocolate, totaling around 170 calories. Try freezing this delightful treat on a hot day for a refreshing twist.
Homemade Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain, often overlooked for its health benefits in reducing heart disease and diabetes risk. Homemade popcorn with light toppings, avoiding excessive butter and sugar, becomes a nutritious snack. Just one cup of air-popped corn amounts to only 30 calories and serves as a versatile base for various flavors. Explore low-calorie toppings like lime zest, chili powder, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. For more popcorn inspiration, check out our article: “Butter-Free Popcorn Seasoning Ideas.”
Toasted Nuts
Nuts make a nutritious snack due to their fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein content. Each nut variety offers specific health benefits, like almonds reducing bad cholesterol linked to heart disease. On average, 28 grams of almonds provide around 160 calories, with slight variations for other nuts. Nuts are delicious as is, but toasting them enhances their flavor. Experiment with seasonings like cinnamon or chili to add an extra kick to your snack.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack. They provide valuable minerals like copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Magnesium plays a vital role in various bodily functions, such as DNA synthesis, blood pressure regulation, and nerve transmission. Maintaining adequate magnesium levels is important for overall health, as low levels have been linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Enjoying a handful of 32 grams of pumpkin seeds amounts to approximately 150 calories.
Edamame Beans
Edamame beans, or soybeans, are a tasty and nutritious snack in Japan. They’re sweet, low in calories, and packed with protein and fiber. A 75g serving provides around 100 calories and keeps you full. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Add salt for flavor or chili for spice.