One of my recommendations when trying to lose weight is incorporating healthy snacks into your diet to increase satiety and boost metabolism. Choosing snacks that are well-balanced is important to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition into your diet without overdoing it on refined carbohydrates or processed sugars that are often found in packaged goods. Here are my 10 favourite whole foods snacks to promote weight loss and they only take a few minutes to put together!

1. Apple & Natural Nut Butter

Cut up 1 small apple into slices and serve with 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice). The healthy fat in the nut butter helps slow down the digestion of the natural sugars in the apple which also helps you feel full for longer.

2. Cottage Cheese & Mixed Berries

Grab a bowl and add 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries for a sweet treat! Cottage cheese is a great source of protein which makes it a very filling snack.

3. Bell Pepper & Hummus

Veggies and dip is always a good idea! Cut up 1/2 bell pepper and serve with 2 tablespoons of your favourite hummus. Hummus is made from chickpeas which are high in plant-based protein.

4. Clementines & Nuts

Grab a bag of clementines at the grocery store next time you’re there! 2 clementines with 1/4 cup (or a small handful) of macadamia nuts is a very satisfying mid-day snack.

5. Eggs & Crackers

Eggs are a good source of protein and omegas. Hard boil 2 eggs, season with salt and pepper and pack in a container with 12 Mary’s Seed Crackers for a quick snack at work.

6. Oatmeal & Berries

Prepare 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with 1/4 cup raspberries and 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts for a delicious warm oatmeal snack.

7. Zucchini Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 2 oz mozzarella cheese (grated)

Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the zucchini slices on the baking sheet and bake for 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and top each zucchini slice with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake for 10 more minutes or until the cheese has melted. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

8. Frozen Yogurt Berry Bites

Mix 1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup chopped frozen strawberries. Divide between wells of an ice cube tray or mini muffin tin. Freeze for 3 hours (or more) for delicious frozen yogurt berry bites!

9. Yogurt Parfait

Combine 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of your favourite berries and 1/4 cup high fiber cereal. This is an easy snack to pack the night before and bring to work in the morning.

10. Veggies & Guacamole

Grab your favourite guacamole from the store and serve 2 tablespoons with a variety of cut up veggies such as carrots and cucumbers. Guacamole tastes good with everything and is a great source of healthy fats!

Like what you’ve read? Check out this article on my top breakfast ideas for weight loss here.