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Featured Article by Tom Newman:
Weight-Loss-Friendly Snack Ideas

Hi, it's Tom Newman…

Do you often find yourself wondering what to eat for a snack on your weight-loss program? Do you feel frustrated that you just can't seem to find foods that are appealing?

Are you ready to just toss in the towel on your diet and head straight for the vending machine?

If so, you aren't alone. Many people struggle with snacks when it comes to their weight-loss plan. Figuring out meals tends to be relatively simple as long as you put the time and energy into it…but snacks? That's a whole other ball game. You really don't even know what to eat, never mind how to prepare it.

Fortunately, it's easier than you think. While each diet will have its own dietary requirements and not all of these snacks will work for you, they do give you a great head start on planning some snacks that you will enjoy.

Let's have a look.

Snack 1

Fruit and nut butter

Whether it's an apple, a pear, or a banana, these fruits work great when paired with some natural peanut or almond butter. You'll get fiber, protein and healthy fats, all with some carbs to fuel your body for hours to come.

Snack 2

Commercially prepared protein bar

If you shop wisely, you can certainly find protein bars that will help fill out your diet plan. The trick when seeking a protein bar is to find one that contains less than 6-7 grams of sugar and at least 15 grams of protein.

Also, watch those calories. Some protein bars are more like meal replacement bars and are upwards of 350 calories.

Snack 3

Homemade protein bar/ muffin / square

Alternatively, consider preparing your own protein bars, muffins, or squares. This is even better because then you can regulate exactly what you're putting into that snack and make the macros fit your diet.

Choose wholesome ingredients whenever possible and watch the added sugar content as well. Remember, naturally occurring sugar like honey and coconut sugar will still raise blood glucose levels so these are not ideal for those on fat-loss or diabetic diets.

— Hard-boiled eggs and vegetables

Hard-boiled eggs are always a great go-to snack. What's even better is that it's relatively easy to remove the yolk and add in a few additional egg whites as well.

Hard-boiled eggs keep in the fridge for at least a few days, so consider preparing some in advance and then just grabbing them on the go as needed. Pair with some chopped vegetables for extra crunch and you're all set.

Snack 4

Hard-boiled eggs and vegetables

Hard-boiled eggs are always a great go-to snack. What's even better is that it's relatively easy to remove the yolk and add in a few additional egg whites as well.

Hard-boiled eggs keep in the fridge for at least a few days, so consider preparing some in advance and then just grabbing them on the go as needed. Pair with some chopped vegetables for extra crunch and you're all set.

Snack 5

Red peppers with hummus

Hummus is great because it has a little protein and a few carbs all wrapped up in one snack and can be served with so many different foods.

Serving it with red peppers is a fantastic way to keep the calories down but the nutrition up.

Snack 6

Greek yogurt with fresh berries and seeds

Greek yogurt is a standout snack for dieting because as long as you buy the plain variety, it's low in sugar and rich in protein content – exactly what you want right now. Pair it with some fresh berries for natural sweetness and some seeds to bring in some healthy fats and make it a complete meal.

Snack 7

Cottage cheese with flaxseeds and cinnamon

Likewise, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein that will digest slowly in the body, releasing its nutrition over the hours ahead. Serve it with some flaxseeds for healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber and a little cinnamon for flavor.

This makes for a great, low-carb snack to keep you going.

Snack 8

Sliced tomatoes sprinkled with cheese and lightly broiled

If you're a lover of cheese, take note that cheese isn't necessarily a bad thing on a fat-loss diet. As long as you watch how much you eat, it's perfectly acceptable and is low in carbs and provides some protein.

Broil some cheese over some tomatoes and you have a delicious snack you'll turn to time and time again.

Snack 9

Beef jerky with an orange

Beef jerky is another great choice as it's going to provide some protein, is relatively low in carbs, and depending on the brand you buy can also be quite low in fat as well.

Pair it with an orange for added carbs and to help bump up the absorption of the micronutrients such as iron in the beef jerky. The vitamin C helps you utilize that mineral, which will then help you maintain optimal energy levels.

So, as you can see, you have many different options, and this is really only the tip of the iceberg. Remember that most snacks should come in around the 200-300 calorie mark and ideally should contain at least 10 grams of protein. You can afford a little less protein as long as sufficient fat is in the snack as well to help stabilize your blood sugar after eating it.

To a slimmer, happier you,
Tom Newman

Daily Affirmation: Emotional regulation is key to feeling my best. Today I will focus on my emotions first and my reaction second. I will stop reacting before I've identified my feelings and choose the best way to react to each situation.

*This is not a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant adjustment to a dietary, exercise, or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health concern.