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The Best Snacks to Buy to Shrink Abdominal Fat, Says Dietitian

Swap out those high-calories chips for these healthy snacks.

A proper snack offers both balanced nutrition and a little satisfaction until your next meal. The snacks you choose when you are trying to slim down might look a little different than when you're in "maintenance mode" though.

When you want to lose body fat, the goal should not necessarily be to eat as little as possible though. Skipping a snack altogether is probably not in your best interest. Usually, skipping snacks results in feeling even hungrier later and potentially leads to overeating at night.

Choose a filling snack that gives you a good bang-for-your-buck in terms of calories and satisfaction. Remember, eating something now can pay off in decreased hunger and lower cravings later.

1

Hummus

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Hummus is made with a combination of chickpeas and tahini—or sesame seed paste—for a heart-healthy combination of healthy fats and fiber. This combo will boost your energy levels for the rest of the day.

Pair with some cut-up veggies, whole grain crackers, or try the new chocolate hummus flavors with some fruit!

2

Popcorn

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Somewhere along the line, popcorn got a bad rep, and we don't know why! This snack delivers a serving of whole grains and packs a high fiber punch that will keep you full for a while.

Choose air-popped popcorn instead of the butter-laden options, and you have a low-calorie, high-volume snack option. If you need a bit more fuel, consider pairing with a handful of nuts, string cheese, or yogurt.

3

Greek yogurt

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Greek yogurt is a snack superstar; it's packed with protein and super easy to pack on the go.

Choose brands with few added sugars and emphasize protein to feel full longer. Pair yogurts with a high fiber carb for a larger snack if you need it. Berries, whole wheat crackers, and popcorn all work well!

4

Dark chocolate

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Dark chocolate may be an acquired taste, but its health benefits are unquestionable! Packed with fiber, heart-healthy fats, and typically low in sugar, this makes for a super satisfying afternoon treat.

Pair with some fresh fruit, yogurt, or nuts to add a little more balance to this snack option.

5

Berries

bowl of berries
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Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries…you name it! All berries are packed with fiber, quick energy, and vitamins and minerals.

One cup of raspberries delivers a whopping 8 grams of fiber—that's a third of the recommended daily fiber goal for women!

Pair your berries with nuts, cheese, or yogurt for a protein source that balances the natural carbs in the fruit.

For more weight loss tips, check out these Best Weight Loss Snacks in 2022.

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