Even the pickiest eaters need well-balanced, healthy snacks. And if you’re looking to lose weight, opting for nutrient-dense, low-calorie snacks can go a long way towards helping you reach your goals. We’re covering the healthy low-calorie snacks that will fill you up without throwing your health off course.
Is Snacking Good or Bad for You?
While snacking might get a bad rap, it’s not necessarily bad for you. What matters more than “to snack or not to snack” is what you’re snacking on. If you’re reaching for a whole grain, plant-based pick-me-up like a warm bowl of muesli or a homemade granola bar, then you’re doing yourself a favor between meals. High-fiber, low sugar snacks help stabilize your blood sugar so you avoid spikes and crashes that can cause you to cave into sugar cravings later.
On the other hand, if your snacks consist of sugary drinks, candy or highly processed treats, you’re better off rounding out your meals more to hold you over.
When hunger strikes, reach for these low-calorie snacks that even picky eaters will enjoy:
- Celery sticks or an apple dipped in almond or peanut butter
- Raw nuts
- Cottage cheese
- Overnight oats
Healthy Food for Picky Eaters
If you’re feeding a picky eater but don’t want to skip any essential vitamins or minerals, there are some easy ways to sneak healthy foods into delicious meals without sacrificing flavor, texture, or indulgence.
Try these healthy recipes for picky eaters:
- Wholegrain Pancakes are a fluffy, light, and just-sweet-enough breakfast or fun dinner idea for kids young and old. And the whole grains add heart-healthy fiber and plant-based protein!
- Vegetable bites are just as crispy, dippable, and addicting as chicken nuggets and no one will know they’re jam-packed with colorful veggies.
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is gooey, cheesy, and creamy. The secret to that beautiful bright orange hue? Roasted butternut squash!
Low-Calorie Snacks That Will Fill You Up
When it comes to low-calorie foods that satisfy, look for volume. For example, water-rich fruits and vegetables are low in calories but eating a large portion won’t weigh you down.
Some of the lowest-calorie foods that will fill you up include:
- Fruit like melon, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and citrus
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard
- Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, cabbage, celery, and carrots
- Broths
But that doesn’t mean you have to chow down on crunchy raw veggies and fruit salad to enjoy healthy low-calorie snacks. You can build delicious low-calorie meals with these foods. For example, you might love:
- Minestrone soup made with your favorite veggies and a rich tomato broth.
- Berry Smoothies with your favorite fresh berries and yogurt for added protein. Use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
- Homemade Vegetable Crisps are colorful, vitamin-packed, and satisfy your craving for crunchy snacks.
