To lose a pound per week, you need to create a caloric deficit of 500 calories per day, according to the American Council on Exercise. To do this, you don't have to give up snacking. ACE recommends eating smaller meals and snacks more frequently throughout the day to boost your metabolism and curb your hunger. Skip the sugary, processed snacks for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy sources of fat.
Apples with Peanut Butter
Apples, along with other fruits, provide your body with vitamins, minerals and fiber. By adding a source of protein, such as peanut butter, you'll feel full for longer after you eat. While the fats in peanuts are the heart-healthy variety, they're heavy on the calories, so limit your snack to 2 tablespoons. Look for natural peanut or almond butters without added sugar or salt.
Granola and Yogurt
Your body draws energy from carbohydrates, but not all carbs are created equal. Granola and other whole grains take longer for your body to digest, to help hold you over between meals. Low-fat yogurt provides the protein and added calcium, while giving your snack a unique combination of crunchy and creamy textures. The Mayo Clinic suggests making your own batch of granola to control how much sugar goes into the snack.
Hummus with Whole Wheat Pitas
Fiber-rich garbanzo beans, also called chickpeas, satiate your hunger with the help of lemon juice, garlic and spices to add flavor to this healthy dip. Make your own hummus by combining a can of chickpeas with 3 cups water, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp. olive oil, juice of half a lemon, a pinch of salt and 1 tsp. ground cumin in a blender. Serve with whole-wheat pita wedges or a variety of fresh vegetables.
Egg or Chicken Salad
While traditional chicken or egg salads drenched in mayonnaise may not be a healthy choice for weight loss, subbing plain low-fat yogurt for mayo limits the fat content while maintaining flavor. Toss in some diced apples, celery, raises, chopped nuts and a bit of curry powder for a protein-rich, low-fat snack. Spread on whole-grain crackers, or wrap in lettuce leaves.
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