Tasty, Low-Calorie Snacks for Guilt-Free Munching
Does the phrase “healthy snacks” make you cringe, imagining the taste and consistency of cardboard? Never fear — healthy snacking doesn’t have to sacrifice taste or nutrition. There are plenty of options out there for low-calorie snacks that taste great and are good for you at the same time.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply eat healthier, switching out your chips and sweets for nutrient-rich, low-calorie snacks is a great first step in forming better habits. Your body will thank you, and you may even discover some new favorite flavors along the way.
Here’s what you need to know about low-calorie snacks, as well as a few healthy, satisfying, and guilt-free snack ideas.
Are Low-Calorie Snacks Always Healthy?
According to Medical News Today, a daily average of 1,600-3000 calories will sustain a typical adult’s current body weight. Consuming fewer calories than you burn can help you lose weight and may also provide other health benefits.
However, simply reducing calories doesn’t necessarily make your diet healthy. You also need to get enough essential nutrients — that is, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Planning your snacks ahead of time, then, is a great way to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients without exceeding your daily caloric intake.
4 Taste-Bud-Pleasing, Low-Calorie Snacks
Ready to dig into some tasty, low-calorie snacks? Here are a few ideas that are low in calories but still contain your essential nutrients — and won’t leave your taste buds dissatisfied, either. Let’s get snacking!
Popcorn
Believe it or not, popcorn on its own isn’t just junk food. It’s a whole grain with plenty of fiber and antioxidants, and it also happens to be low in calories.
Of course, there is a caveat here. Don’t overload your popcorn with butter, salt, or other artificial flavorings, or you’ll be piling back on the calories and other less-healthy components like sodium. Instead, keep the seasonings light, and avoid the prepackaged, microwave varieties.
Fruits & Veggies
It may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes we need a reminder that fruits and veggies make great nutrient-rich, low-calorie snacks. Many of them provide great amounts of fiber, vitamins, and other important nutrients.
Some of the best choices for low-calorie fruits include apples, berries, grapefruit, and stone fruits like peaches or apricots. Healthy low-calorie vegetables include bell peppers, cauliflower, and dark green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to combine several healthy ingredients into one convenient snack. They’re also an easy way to improve the taste of healthy ingredients that may not be your favorite flavor-wise.
Incorporate some of those nutritious fruits and veggies, and be sure to limit the amount of extra sugar you add.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas have a wealth of health benefits, according to Healthline. They’re a great high-protein snack — which is why they’re used in so many vegan and vegetarian recipes — and source of other nutrients, too.
Chickpeas can also be prepared in many different tasty ways. Roast them for a crunchy snack, or make hummus and enjoy them with your favorite veggies.
Healthy Snacks That Taste Like Junk Food
The above low-calorie snacks are great for reducing your calorie intake and making healthier snacking choices, but what if you just can’t shake the craving for savory, crunchy junk food?
While our Pigless Pork Rinds and Outstanding Puffs aren’t low-calorie snacks, they’re still a much healthier option than the mainstream alternatives. Each bag is loaded with nutrients and entirely plant based, with all the flavor and crunch your mouth desires.
Satisfy those snacking urges without falling back into unhealthy habits. Find Outstanding Foods snacks in a store near you.
