8 healthy snack ideas for weight loss

Snacking is often associated with weight gain. This is particularly true if you’re reaching for typical processed snacks which are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats and sodium; in short—nutrients that won’t support your weight loss. This is why one of the healthy habits the New Mayo Clinic Diet recommends is no snacking—except on vegetables and fruits. But before you decide that bell peppers and bananas are boring, read on to discover some easy and exciting ways to satisfy your cravings while staying healthy and losing weight.

How to make fruit & vegetable snacks more exciting

Healthy snacking can be delicious and exciting! And when you have a long list of fresh vegetables and fruits, along with endless delicious combinations to choose from, healthy snacking is especially exciting. Add a little creativity into the mix and your go-to snacks will soon be helping you lose weight.

1. Veggie “chips”

Baked, dark green leafy vegetables like kale and collards make a delicious—and nutritious—snack that will satisfy your cravings. Simply remove the stems, tear the vegetables into pieces, and spread them over a baking tray. Drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil, add a dash of salt and bake at 375ºF for 8 to 9 minutes. The best part is that the kids will love them, too!

2. Smoothies

Smoothies are a refreshing way to eat your greens—especially if you’re on the run. All you need is a blender, water and some ice, and the rest is up to you. Try blending a mix of leafy greens (like baby spinach) plus frozen fruits (like blueberries or strawberries), and add a touch of flavor (like ginger or mint). Try this Green smoothie.

3. Fruit and veggie “charcuterie” board

There’s just something about the way food is presented that makes it taste better. Arranging your favorite fruits and vegetables on a beautiful wooden board takes snacking to the next level. So, why not show off your creative skills by building a tasty & healthy snack platter for your friends and family—or even a mini version just for you?

4. Soup

Soup can be an incredibly satisfying snack. It’s also a great way to enjoy your veggies—with a spoon! Soup is both super easy to make and the perfect “set-and-forget” meal. Simply add your favorite vegetables, some aromatics for flavor (think: onion, garlic or leeks) or fresh herbs, and cover with low-sodium stock. Cook slowly until the vegetables are tender. Voilà! A week’s worth of healthy soup is done and dusted. Try this healthy Summer vegetable soup.

5. Popsicles

Popsicles made from frozen fruit, blended with 100-percent fruit juice, are a fun way to snack healthy while staying hydrated. Simply fill popsicle molds with your favorite smoothie and freeze until set. Enjoy on a hot summer’s day or any time you’re in the mood for a quick pick-me-up. Popsicles are great to share with friends, too! Try these Rainbow ice pops.

6. Healthy dips and dippers

Dips make snacking more exciting. From hummus and herbed Greek yogurt to salsa and fresh guacamole, healthy dips are a great way to up-level your snack experience. Just cut up your favorite veggies and dip away. Try this Vegetable salsa. Or, for something a little different, try this Roasted red bell pepper pineapple salsa.

7. Veggie “fries”

Did someone say “fries”? These may not be your typical fries, but you’ll find that you can’t eat just one. Cut carrots or zucchini into long sticks. Or, try beets cut into rounds. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, season with your favorite herbs and spices, and bake on a sheet pan at 300ºF for 50 to 60 minutes, turning once until golden brown. Enjoy! Try these Thyme roasted beets.

8. Fresh fruit kebabs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating fruit kebabs. All you need are a few skewers and cubes of fresh seasonal fruit. Try pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, banana and fresh grapes in these Fresh fruit kebabs.

The New Mayo Clinic Diet makes snack time a snap

The New Mayo Clinic Diet’s flexible meal plans not only fit into any lifestyle, but they are the perfect partner for healthy snacking. Additionally, these fun and healthy snack recipes are easy to prepare, delicious and great for your heart and weight, too! Preparing these snacks in advance, can help you avoid unnecessary calories in your diet and improve your weight loss results.

Our team of dietitians has developed five different meal plans which allow you to find and follow an eating style that suits your taste & diet preferences. Since most meal plans—with the exception of Healthy Keto—encourage eating unlimited servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day, the sky’s the limit on how you choose to snack on them.

Wondering what a day on a plate looks like? Have a look at a sample of the Original Mayo Clinic Diet meal plan.