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11 Low-Calorie Snacks for Long-Term Weight Loss

The science is unequivocal:

By Nikhil ShahPublished 4 years ago Updated 4 years ago 5 min read

Eating little quantities of healthful meals throughout the day can help to control cravings, manage hunger, and prevent overeating at mealtime. The idea is to limit snacking to 125 calories or fewer. We're not outlawing chocolate or potato chips, as you can see. However, you will discover that the healthier the meal, the more you can consume.

A whole cucumber, for example, has only 45 calories. It just takes five potato chips to reach that limit! After consulting with food experts and conducting our own research, we came up with the 30 greatest healthy snacks that are tasty, conveniently accessible, and provide exactly the correct number of calories (125 or less) and nutrients to keep hunger at bay until your next meal. If you see any of your trigger foods on the list, skip them and choose one of the other options. You are the only one who truly understands yourself.

1. HARD-BOILED EGG

One cooked egg has around 78 calories and is high in protein! If you need something to eat, add some cut-up veggies or another form of lean protein. "The mix of texture and protein may make this seem like a significantly more substantial snack than many other alternatives and for fewer calories," says Lisa Garcia, RDN of Food Coach For Me in Laconia, New Hampshire. Simply be cautious of how frequently you take eggs, meat, and cheese throughout the day since it is simple to ingest too much-saturated fat in a day.

2. PEANUT BUTTER

"Oh, how I adore peanut butter!" exclaims Amy Gorin, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and proprietor of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City region. "Not only does the nut butter provide satisfying protein and fiber, but it also provides healthful fat." This combination keeps you fuller for longer." However, be cautious about the type you buy. She recommends buying natural peanut butter, which should contain simply peanuts, oil, and sometimes a little salt. Also, keep an eye out for low-fat varieties. "Reduced-fat peanut butter ends up compensating for the loss of fat by adding sugar and other filler elements," she cautions. "Try dipping carrot and celery spears in a spoonful of peanut butter for 90 calories."

3. ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA

No, we're not joking. Spread a spoonful of spaghetti sauce and 2 tablespoons of low-fat shredded cheese over half of a muffin and bake at 350°F until bubbling. "Choose a whole-grain English muffin for more fiber, which is not only beneficial for keeping you full but can also help your cholesterol levels," Gorin suggests. "Top your cooked 'pizza' with fresh arugula for extra low-calorie nutrients."

4. AIR-POPPED POPCORN

3 cupfuls of this nutritious snack can keep you going for hours. It's excellent if you don't want to microwave popcorn; some people are concerned about chemicals in both fake microwave popcorn flavoring and the bags in which it's popped. Consider this as a fiber-rich snack.

5. HUMMUS AND PITA

Hummus, which is low in fat and calories, packs a punch of protein, taste, and fiber. Put 2 tablespoons on half a pita and call it a day. "Hummus is one of my favorite snacks since it's high in protein and fiber," Gorin explains. "You get roughly 2 grams of protein and fiber in only two tablespoons."

6. JELLY BEANS

These classics aren't just for Easter any longer. A handful (around 25) has roughly 125 calories. However, like with other candy, keep in mind their high sugar content. Consume sugary treats such as jelly beans in moderation. When you do have them, eat gently to appreciate the flavor and avoid becoming distracted. Otherwise, you may be tempted to overeat.

7. MICROWAVE POPCORN

You can have up to 3 cups of light or low-fat variants. Consume no more than 1 cup of the full-fat buttery variety. You pick which healthy weight loss foods are worthwhile. According to a review of research published in the 2016 edition of Advances in Nutrition, fiber-rich snack foods like popcorn help to increase feelings of fullness. If you feel fuller for a longer period of time, you are less likely to give in to other enticing meals.

8. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

Enjoy two regular-sized cookies while recalling your after-school days. Just keep an eye out for these "healthy" treats that are covertly damaging your body. It's possible that too much is too much. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation and on rare occasions, savoring the flavor and texture.

9. RAISINS

They're tasty, nutritious, and high in vitamins and minerals. To keep below the 125 calorie limit, eat around 3 tablespoons (about 75 raisins). While Garcia does not recommend them by themselves due to their greater sugar content (which increases the possibility of overeating), she does recommend combining them with some almonds to make a healthy snack.

10. BROWNIE

Believe it or not, one 2-inch square will be enough! Of course, avoid the temptation to overeat. This way, you can stay on schedule and enjoy the chocolatey flavor without feeling like you've ruined your weight reduction efforts. Just make sure the 2-inch square is indeed a 2-inch square.

11. M&M

Do you have a need for M&Ms yet feel terrible about eating them? Don't be concerned. If you don't go back for another handful, a portion of 30 of them is inside our 125 calorie range. "If you have a chocolate craving, M&Ms might be a nice reward to encourage mindful eating," Gorin explains. "Eat one at a time, relishing the crunch of the shell as well as the way the chocolate melts in your tongue." And don't multitask if you want to truly savor that chocolate flavor!" Garcia, who normally does not encourage candy as a snack since it may be difficult to keep within a limited quantity restriction and also due to its increased sugar content, advises that if you do choose candy, make sure it actually fulfills your appetite. In other words, avoid eating sugar out of habit or emotional requirements such as boredom. She, too, advises eating little bits at a time and focusing on flavor and texture.

ONE MORE THING... TRY THIS 10-SECOND "DAILY FIX" THAT BURNS UP TO 2 POUNDS OF BELLY FAT PER DAY...

Click here to see the 10-second "daily fix" that assisted me in losing 24 pounds in just 19 days.

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About the Creator

Nikhil Shah

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