As summer is coming to an end and we start slowly but surely finding ourselves spending more and more time at home, we are all starting to reach for our snack drawer more often than any of us would like to admit. But what if reaching for that delicious snack can actually mean reaching for more nutrients that will help our body function properly? With snacks like Legendary foods peanut butter, made to deliver the flavor and nutrients, this stops being a question and starts being a fact.
Here is a list of ingredients and products that make great healthy snacks to always have in your home. These snack options will not only keep you full throughout the day but actually help you on your weight loss journey.
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Protein Shakes
You should make the protein shake your best friend while trying to lose weight. Why? Because protein shakes help you gain muscle mass and lose body fat. Plus, it’s so easy to make. You can even pre-make it and carry it with you.
Today you have a vast array of protein powders to choose from, both flavor-wise and nutrition-wise. Depending on your choice of diet, you can choose a 0 sugar protein powder or a 0 fat one. Also, there are vegan options available too.
A protein powder is a very convenient and practical snack option. It takes seconds to make and you can mix or blend the protein powder with:
- Water or/and
- A different type of plant-based drinks (nut-based milk like almond milk or grain-based milk like oat milk)
- Seeds
- Nuts or nut butter
- Fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables
- Other supplements (like collagen for example)
Depending on the type of protein powder, with only one protein shake as a snack, you will up your daily protein intake between 20-25 grams.
Chia Seed Pudding
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re looking for a snack that has under 250 calories, this one is for you. And don’t worry – it’s vegan-friendly and keto-friendly.
Chia seeds are a great source of protein and fiber. In three tablespoons of chia seed, there are 6 grams of protein and approximately 18 grams of fiber.
And that’s how much you need for this healthy snack. Mix 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with a cup of unsweetened almond milk (or any other type of plant-based liquid as long as it’s unsweetened) and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Once it gets to a jelly-like consistency it’s ready to eat. Just add a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter or a couple of frozen berries.
Greek Yogurt With Different Toppings
From low-fat to full-fat, from dairy to vegan – greek yogurt is a lifesaver when it comes to snacking. It’s not just another great source of protein (from 11 to 18 grams depending on the type) but a nutrient-rich snack. You can consume 100 grams of plain greek yogurt or you can mix it with:
- Half a banana
- Half an apple and some cinnamon
- Half a cup of mixed berries
- A tablespoon of flax seeds
- A tablespoon of honey
- Half a cucumber
By adding any of these option toppings you are still getting a healthy and delicious snack that’s under 250 calories.
Hummus With Sliced Vegetables
Whether store-bought or homemade, hummus is a very smart snacking option. It’s made mainly from squashed chickpeas and tahini. Both ingredients are protein-rich and full of vitamins and minerals important for your health.
Keep in mind that 100 grams of hummus have approximately 170 calories. So to make it a healthy snack with under 250 calories pair it with freshly sliced:
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Cauliflower
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Nut Butter Snacks
Yes, you can always opt for the simplest of all the snack options – a bag of mixed nuts. But let’s be honest, nut butter may be the most delicious snack of them all. Even though it’s high in calories, it’s also high in protein. That means that you should eat it in moderation – around a tablespoon per day. You can eat it plain or, to keep it under 250 calories, pair it with some apple slices.
Another fun option you can try is to melt some unsweetened dark chocolate and mix it with a tablespoon of nut butter. Then freeze it in an ice cube mold and you’ll get delicious treats to satisfy your sugar cravings.
Cheese Snacks
Cheese can be a very smart weight-loss snack. There are many types of cheeses that are low in fat, but high in protein. Some of them are:
- Cottage cheese (100 grams- 98 calories, 11 grams of protein)
- Ricotta (100 grams- 174 calories, 11 grams of protein)
- Mozzarella (100 grams- 280 calories, 28 grams of protein)
- Feta cheese (100 grams- 264 calories, 14 grams of protein)
All of them are a delicious pairing with vegetables, herbs, fruits, and even seeds. If you want it to make it a snack under 250 calories, It’s important to keep in mind the calorie value of the specific type of cheese and the portion.
