We’ve all been there:

You’re feeling a little hungry and you’re about to reach for a snack, but then, you stop yourself,

because if you’re being honest, those extra calories would be doing your waistline more harm than good.

That’s a valid concern, but it’s also important to keep in mind that snacking isn’t always a bad thing.

While it can lead to higher daily food consumption and more calorie intake, snacking can help you lose weight if you’re making the right choice!

If you’ve always wondered what healthy snack options are there, here’s Qilo’s list of 7 healthy weight loss foods that can be enjoyed as a snack:

7 Nigerian Weight Loss Snack Alternatives

1. Greek Yogurt

Made from brewed dairy products, this yogurt is strained to make it thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. This makes Greek Yogurt high in proteins and low in sugar and carbs, thus promoting weight loss. Greek yogurt can be eaten alone and can also be eaten with berries and nuts. Greek yogurt makes a healthy snack that not only supports weight loss goals but keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

2. Nuts

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to nuts — there are almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts & pistachios amongst others! Nuts are superfoods that are low in calories & rich in healthy fat and can be enjoyed with other low-calorie fruits. Studies have shown that nuts help with weight reduction as they’re filling (because of the fiber and protein present), and as a result, they can greatly reduce overeating.

3. Garden egg

This has been a favorite for the older generation from back in the days, and it’s no wonder why! Garden eggs are the perfect weight-loss snack for anyone because they’re low in carbs and high in fiber. It’s also one of the snack options dieticians recommend for diabetic patients for a good reason. Garden egg can be eaten alone, or with some crunchy groundnut/roasted nuts, and it’s going to leave you feeling fuller for longer than most ‘snacks’ would!

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers make a healthy snack any day. Fibers are a must-have in any weight loss snack, and cucumbers are packed with them. They’re also low in calories, have a high water content of up to 95%, very filling (you won’t even need to finish a whole cucumber!) and contain other essential nutrients that the body needs — especially for someone on a weight loss journey. So when you’re feeling hungry, go ahead and enjoy some diced cucumbers as a snack!

5. Carrots

Carrots might be one of the richest foods you can snack on! It contains a high amount of fiber and can be eaten raw or boiled. Carrots help to maintain a healthy cholesterol level and lower high cholesterol levels. Carrots are also known to be a water-rich food, very filling, and incredibly low in calories. All these factors contribute towards decreasing your daily calorie intake and eventually, aiding your weight loss goals!

6. Okpa (Bambara nuts)

Barbara nuts when cooked are known as Okpa in Nigeria and are mostly enjoyed by the Igbos in Eastern Nigeria. Okpa can be served as food or snacked on and contains nutrients that aid weight loss. Bambara nuts are low in calories, contain proteins as well as fiber, and do a great job enriching the body system. It’s also a very filling snack that can be roasted and eaten, boiled, or eaten as Okpa.

7. Bananas

Bananas make a healthy snack any day because it’s packed with nutrients your body needs to perform optimally. Apart from being rich in vitamins, and minerals, it’s a great snack option for anyone who’s trying to lose weight because its fiber content keeps you feeling full for longer, and this aids weight loss by up to 30%! Bananas can be eaten raw or blended into a smoothie.

Making adjustments to your dietary intake applies not just to your main meals, but your choice of snacks in-between.

If you’re intentional about losing or maintaining weight, you’d need to cut out some snacks and replace them with other healthy options. See more options here.

Don’t be afraid to tame your taste buds if you need to — the results don’t show overnight, but the results of picking the right snacks would be rewarding for your weight and your general well-being too!