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The Best Snacks to Shrink Belly Fat, Says Dietitian

A satisfying snack that can help you achieve weight loss? Yes, there is such a thing.

Snack time can be a major pitfall in your day. The vending machine snacks start calling your name when lunch starts wearing off. You remember that you have to run an errand after work, and it's going to be a while until dinner.

Instead of leaving it up to chance, what if you planned on having a balanced snack to carry you through to dinner? Most people need a healthy snack if they're going longer than three or four hours between meals, so let's lean into that!

Check out these hand-picked super balanced—and satisfying!—snacks for your afternoon munchies. Planning ahead goes a long way toward feeling more successful here.

Then, for more healthy recipe ideas, check out our list of 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.

Yogurt Parfait

Vegetarian yogurt parfait
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We love a satisfying snack, and this option could also double for a healthy dessert. With an emphasis on low-sugar fruit like berries and high protein Greek yogurt, this snack is the epitome of a one-two-punch for your weight loss goals.

Get our recipe for Yogurt Parfaits.

Snickerdoodle Protein Muffins

snickerdoodle mini muffins
Tone It Up

Protein is the cornerstone of a balanced snack, but sometimes we just don't feel like another turkey roll-up, right?

These sweet-instead-of-savory protein muffins have all your bases covered. Made with almond flour and protein powder, these muffins are packed with healthy fat, fiber, and protein to keep your appetite at bay for a few hours.

Get our recipe for Snickerdoodle Protein Muffins.

Healthier 7-Layer Dip

Healthy 7-layer dip
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This dip gives us game-day vibes without the impending food coma. Packed with protein and lower-cal swaps, you can be sure to feel energized and satisfied with this snack.

Pair with classic tortilla chips or upgrade to a whole wheat tortilla and make yourself a mini-burrito for a snack.

Get our recipe for Healthier 7-Layer Dip.

Hummus Snack Plate

hummus plate
Shutterstock

You really can't go wrong with a high fiber, veggie-packed snack, and a hummus snack plate will not disappoint. The healthy fat and fiber in hummus make this a perfect combo to curb your appetite until dinner.

Get our recipe for Classic Hummus.

For more hummus options, we ranked the best just for you—according to dietitians!

Artichoke Dip

Vegetarian artichoke dip
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You might be surprised to find this appetizer on the list, but our re-crafted recipe packs a whopping 14 grams of fiber from veggies like artichokes, spinach, and onions!

Pair this fan-favorite with veggie sticks like celery, cucumbers, and carrots, and you've got a super high fiber snack that will actually satisfy!

Get our recipe for Artichoke Dip.

READ MOREThe 13 Best Healthy Snacks in 2022: Eat This, Not That! Food Awards

Caroline Thomason, RD, LDN, CDCES
Caroline is a women's health Registered Dietitian and diabetes educator based in Northern Virginia. Read more about Caroline