6 Slimming Snacks Under 300 Calories

It’s 3pm. Your stomach is growling and your focus is off in left field. You head to the fridge in hope of the one delicious snack thats going to be high in protein and healthy, only to find a bunch of junk sure to wreck your best intentions to stick to your weight loss plan. Welcome to the snack attack, a major diet saboteur for everyone at some point.You may have tried in the past to keep good-for-you snacks around, things like fat free pretzels, 100-calorie packs, granola bars, and fruit yogurt. But so-called “healthy” snacks might not be as good for you (or for weight loss) as you think.A truly healthy snack is more like a mini meal than a traditional “snack.” It is moderate in calories (around 200, as long as it fits in your daily calorie allotment), based on REAL food, and contain a good ratio of complex carbs, protein, and fat. Snacks like this keep you satisfied all day, stabilize your blood sugar level, and curtail food cravings.Planning ahead for healthy snacks and meals is imperative for permanent, successful weight maintenance. You shouldn’t be faced with just 2 choices: junk food or go hungry! These 6 slimming snacks are sure to please. All make one serving, are quick and easy to prepare, contain between 200 and 220 calories and deliver a nice balance of protein, fat, complex carbs, and fiber. Avocado Hummus DipThis is the yum that happens when hummus meets up with buttery chunks of ripe avocado. This snack can be doubled, put on a pile of salad greens, and called lunch.You will need:4 tbsp your favorite hummus1/3 cup diced up avocado1 tbsp fresh lime juice1 cup sliced raw veggies (peppers, jicama, celery, carrots, cucumber, etc.) Stir the hummus and avocado together. Grab a veggie and go to town. Per Serving:211 calories11.5 g fat1 g saturated fat0 mg cholesterol25 g carbohydrates9 g fiber5.8 g sugar6 g protein  Instant Almond Oat Cookie A cookie in the nuker? Yup. This cookie is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and added sugar free. Plus it is so satisfying. Soft and slightly chewy, you can make more and store them in an airtight container for several days. Unlike a typical cookie, the fat and protein in the almond meal and low sugar content help with staying power and blood sugar control.You will need:3 tbsp quick cooking oats2.5 tbsp almond mealgenerous pinch each of baking powder, cinnamon, and salt2 tbsp applesauce1/4 tsp vanilla extract2 tsp raisins Mix all together and shape into 1 to 3 flattish cookies on a microwave safe plate. Microwave for a minute, check for doneness; if it needs more time, give it 10 seconds at a time more. Per serving:202 calories10 g fat0.5 g saturated fat0 mg cholesterol24 g carbohydrates5 g fiber9 g sugar6 g protein Quark Chia ParfaitStep aside, Greek yogurt, make room for quark. This soft cheese has a consistency like sour cream; it’s less tart than yogurt and has more more protein. Like yogurt, it’s a good source of probiotics, to help keep your digestive healthy and regular. Find it by the yogurt in the grocery store.You will need:1 6-ounce container plain fat free quark1 tbsp raw chia seeds½ cup of berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or blackberries)1 packet Stevia sweetener (optional) Stir together all ingredients and enjoy! Per serving:200 calories4.7 g fat0.5 g saturated fat22.7 g carbohydrates7 g fiber13 g sugar21 g protein  Microwave Egg MugMuffinFor this healthier twist on a popular breakfast treat, all you need is a microwave and a mug. You can add any veggies you have on hand or our favorite topping… hot sauce!You will need:Cooking Spray2 large egg whites½ tbsp chopped onionSalt & PepperEzekiel English Muffin1 slice tomatoA few leaves of baby spinach Toast the muffin and the inside of a mug with cooking spray. Add onion, egg whites, add salt and pepper and whisk together.Microwave for 15 seconds, stir, and continue to microwave in 10-20 second intervals until cooked through.Assemble sandwich on English Muffin with tomato and spinach. Per serving:200 calories1 g fat0 g saturated fat0 mg cholesterol32 g carbohydrates6.6 g fiber1 g sugar16 g protein Power Protein Trail MixStore-bought trail mixes are often packed with refined carbs and sugar, but this recipe shuffles up the macros with something a little different — chewy, savory Jerky! Plus it’s got healthy fats and minerals from the nuts and seeds. The dried fruit adds and just the right amount of sweetness.You will need:1 ounce turkey or vegan jerky pieces1 tbsp raw sliced almonds1 tbsp pepitas (pumpkin seeds)1 tbsp dried tart cherries1 tbsp dried blueberries Place all the ingredients in a container or baggie, and throw it into your gym bag for later, if you can wait that long. Per serving:217 calories7.7 g fat0.8 g saturated fat32 mg cholesterol (0 if you use vegan jerky)18 g carbohydrates5 g fiber10 g sugar18 g proteinMachine-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Nice Cream This is the best snack when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and indulgent. This recipe has no added sugar and tastes amazing. Freeze the banana at least a day in advance; peel it first and wrap in plastic.You will need:1 medium very ripe frozen banana8 grams (about 1/4 scoop) chocolate protein powder2 tsp smooth natural peanut butter1/4 tsp vanilla extractpinch salt Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. If you like a firmer texture, pop it in the freezer for a little while.(This recipe is best made in larger batches and frozen in single serve portions.) Per serving:202 calories6.4 g fat1.3 g saturated fat0 mg cholesterol30.9 g carbohydrates5 g fiber16 g sugar9 g protein