One of the best parts of this season is the abundance of light, tasty and good-for-you snacks that you have at your fingertips. Looking for some healthy snack recipes for weight loss? Here are eight delicious (and low-calorie) options that you can munch on, minus the guilt.
8 Healthy Snack Recipes for Weight Loss
1. Mini Caprese Skewers
Eat two—or ten—of this bite-size summer treat. All you need is halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and low-cal mozzarella. (It’s super filling, according to a study conducted by the University of Calgary.) Drizzle a teeny, tiny bit of balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
2. Watermelon Cups
This seriously light snack—filled with cucumber and feta and drizzled with red wine vinegar—isn't just easy on the waistline. Watermelon is actually loaded with amino acids that can help you burn fat, according to a study by Perdue University.
3. Guacamole
Sure, it’s easy to be leery of this summer picnic favorite, but as long as you’re dipping veggies (not chips), this avocado dip—rich in monounsaturated fats—can actually help with weight loss, in particular belly fat.
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4. Olive Tapenade
If you still need a little something salty, serve this spread next to your guacamole—it's another snack that comes fully loaded with monounsaturated fat.
5. Grilled Peas In The Pod
Think of this snack as summer’s version of edamame—grilled and seasoned with a little olive oil, pepper and salt. Just be sure to remove the peas from the pods before you eat 'em. (Don’t worry—the grilled flavor will seep in through the shell.)
6. Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta
This satisfying snack of tomato-loaded toast clocks in at roughly 200 calories a piece. Ricotta included.
7. Fresh Fruit Cones
In lieu of ice cream, load up a waffle cone (about 100 calories) with fiber-rich fruits like strawberries, blueberries and grapes.
8. Grilled Pineapple Kabobs
Fresh (vs. canned) pineapple is low-calorie—about 80 calories a cup—not to mention full of fiber, so you’ll feel filled up quick as you snack. Garnish the kabobs with chopped mint and a pinch of salt.