Particular foods do not burn fat. Snacking on nutritious foods, however, may help stave off food cravings and excessive hunger between meals and boost your energy, allowing you to exercise at an appropriate, fat-burning level. Replacing calorie-dense snack foods, such as candy and potato chips, with lower-calorie fare may also stimulate fat loss by reducing your overall calorie intake. For best results, incorporate weight-loss-friendly snacks into a balanced, healthy diet and seek specified guidance from your dietitian.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain. As a result, they provide more fiber, which promotes satiation, and nutrients than refined grains do. Whole grains also provide rich amounts of glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Because whole grains have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels, they may provide longer-lasting energy and appetite control compared to refined grains, such as white flour. MayoClinic.com recommends fiber-rich snack foods that provide 100 calories or less as suitable snacks while managing your weight. Suitable examples include one slice of whole-grain bread, 3 cups of air-popped popcorn, 1/3 cup of cooked oatmeal or a single portion of whole-grain pretzels. Check nutrition labels on prepared foods to determine specific serving sizes and calorie content.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain rich amounts of antioxidants, which strengthen your body's ability to protect itself from illnesses. As rich sources of fiber and water, fruits and vegetables allow you to consume more food volume, while reaping relatively few calories. Choose fresh, whole varieties over juices and sweetened canned or dried fruit, which provide less satiation and more calories. Fruits and vegetables particularly high in fiber and water include berries, citrus fruits, melon, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, bell peppers and asparagus.
Nuts
Nuts provide healthy, unsaturated fats and valuable micronutrients, such as selenium, calcium and vitamin E. Weight-loss diets that permit nuts have shown greater weight-loss results and compliance to the diet compared to diets that restrict nuts, according to an article published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in September 2008. The fiber and protein in nuts may enhance fullness. Nuts' fat content provides fuel for low- to moderate-intensity exercise, which often plays an important role in weight management. For heightened benefits, choose nuts instead of saturated fat-rich snacks, such as nachos or french fries. Because nuts are dense in calories, stick to modest portion sizes. For boosted appetite control, choose particularly fiber-rich varieties, such as almonds, pistachios, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts.
Low-fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products provide significant amounts of calcium and vitamin D as well as protein, which promotes blood sugar balance and appetite control. While you're losing weight, MayoClinic.com recommends selecting low-fat and "light," or calorie-reduced, varieties. Nutritious options include no-sugar-added yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat string cheese and fruit smoothies prepared with nonfat milk. If you do not consume or tolerate dairy products, choose soy-based or other nondairy equivalents for similar benefits.
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