Did you know that snacking is good for you? Yep, it is…as long as you are doing it in healthy ways. When you snack, you are giving your body the necessary fuel to keep your energy levels up. You are also maintaining your appetite and blood sugar levels. You should be eating every 3 hours to keep your energy high. (And let’s face it, as a mom, you need all the energy you can get, right?)

To keep it healthy, your snacks should be between 100 to 200 calories. A good combination for a snack is a protein (which will keep you feeling full longer), and a healthy carbohydrate (which will give you energy). Here is a list of healthy snacks for weight loss:

Veggies and Hummus

Hummus is a great source of fiber, protein and healthy fats. It is also beneficial to those with allergies to nuts or an intolerance to gluten. Pair it with carrots, celery, cucumbers or bell peppers.

Greek Yogurt and Berries

Greek yogurt with berries is an excellent combination due to the high protein content in the Greek yogurt and the antioxidants in the berries.

Opt for plain Greek yogurt, or one that is low in sugar. For berries, choose from blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, or a mixture.

Fruit and Nuts

Raw nuts, such as almonds, pistachios or walnuts, make the list of healthy snacks for weight loss due to their healthy fats and protein content. Keep portions in mind on these little morsels. One portion is about 1/4 cup.

Adding a small piece of fruit, such as an apple, will top this snack off adding more fiber to keep you feeling full until your next meal.

Note: If you are breastfeeding and concerned about a nut allergy with your little one, please consult a doctor before eating any nuts or nut-based foods.

Hard-Boiled Egg and Fruit

Eggs are one of the best sources of protein out there. Hard-boiled eggs are the perfect snack-on-the-go at about 70 calories per egg.

Paired with a piece of fruit, this is one of those healthy snacks for weight loss that give you the much needed energy you need while keeping you under the 200-calorie mark.

Whole Grain Crackers and Cheese

For the crackers you choose, make sure they have a good amount of protein and fiber. Triscuits are a good option, as they have 3 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein and only 120 calories per serving (6 crackers).

Pair them with a cheese string, which generally have about 60 calories, and you have yourself a pretty great snack!

Celery and Peanut Butter

This is an easy and healthy snack, giving you the protein from the peanut butter to keep you satiated. Take 2 large stalks of celery, spread on 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and you’re good to go!

Some peanut butters have unhealthy additives. You want to choose a peanut butter that has very little ingredients in it. Some just have peanuts, some have salt and/or unsaturated fats. These are good options.

Note: If you are breastfeeding and concerned about a nut allergy with your little one, please consult a doctor before eating any nuts or nut-based foods.

Low Fat Cottage Cheese and Blueberries

If you are a cottage cheese fan, this one is for you. This makes the healthy snacks for weight loss list as long as you choose a lower fat cottage cheese to go with those antioxidant-rich blueberries.

One cup of low fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup of blueberries comes in at 190 calories.

Plain Yogurt With Strawberries and Sliced Almonds

For extra protein, choose a plain Greek yogurt for this delicious snack. The strawberries sweeten up the plain yogurt and the sliced (raw, not roasted or salted) almonds add some crunchy protein.

Keep in mind that adding too many almonds will bump up those calories, so just add a sprinkle of them.

Note: If you are breastfeeding and concerned about a nut allergy with your little one, please consult a doctor before eating any nuts or nut-based foods.

Medium Apple With Peanut Butter

Apples and peanut butter are a perfect combination. You get the fiber from the apple and the healthy fats and protein from the peanut butter…and they taste great together. It’s a win-win.

Slice up a medium apple and spread on some peanut butter (no more than a tablespoon of peanut butter total), and enjoy!

Note: If you are breastfeeding and concerned about a nut allergy with your little one, please consult a doctor before eating any nuts or nut-based foods.

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The above healthy snacks for weight loss are combinations that, again, should all be kept at or under 200 calories so you definitely want to watch your portions. If you are wanting something that is more of a “treat” then here are some ideas for those:

• Popcorn (air-popped or mini microwaveable bags, and of course adding tons of butter and salt will pack on those calories and fat, making it not so healthy anymore)
• Whole wheat pretzels
• Frozen yogurt
• Popsicles (made with 100% fruit juice) or make your own
• Dark chocolate
• Baked tortilla chips and salsa

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Remember to eat treats in moderation though, and look at the nutritional information on the package regarding portions, calories, fat, etc.

There you have it! Now, it’s time to get out shopping and incorporate these healthy snacks for weight loss into your daily life. You will not only be much healthier, but also have much more energy. Can’t beat that!