Easy & Healthy Sweet Snacks for Weight Loss [RD Approved]
There is no doubt that sweet snacks are delicious!
However, many sweet-flavored snacks are loaded with refined, processed sugar, fat, and calories, all of which keep us from reaching our health and weight loss goals.
With that said, there are many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your weight loss efforts; healthy sweet snacks can help you reach your goals.
Here are over 40 healthy sweet snacks for weight loss that are dietitian-approved.
How to Choose Healthy Sweet Snacks
It can be overwhelming to choose a healthy snack, especially when there are so many options out there.
Here are a few tips for choosing healthy sweet snacks:
- Choose snacks that are low in added refined sugar and fat.
- Look for snacks with fiber to help fill you up.
- Check the nutrition facts label on pre-packaged snacks to make sure you’re getting the most nutrition for your calorie intake.
- For weight loss, keep portion sizes small.
Remember, you are not looking for perfection, as that does not exist. The goal is to make the best, healthiest snack choices possible. Keeping these tips in mind can help make that goal achievable, helping you reach your goals.
Homemade Sweet Snacks
Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates
Dates are often known as “nature’s candy” because they quite literally taste like it!
Peanut butter-stuffed dates are super easy to make. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fat, which will add flavor and will keep you satisfied.
It is important to keep the serving size to 1-2 dates.
Banana Ice Cream (Nice Cream)
Craving ice cream on a hot day? This nice cream snack is for you. No processed sugar bomb here. It is full of natural ingredients packed with nutrients.
Optional: Add a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt to add protein.
Chia Seed Pudding
If you are looking for a filling, sweet snack loaded with nutrients, look no further!
This Chia Seed Pudding only requires three ingredients. It is simple to make and provides numerous health benefits.
Omega 3s, protein, and fiber keep you feeling full and content for many hours.
Chia pudding can last for a week in the refrigerator, depending on the ingredients you add to it. Just take it out of the refrigerator when you’re ready for a healthy snack! For an extra crunch, top it with sliced nuts and fruits.
Triple Berry Chia Seed Smoothie
This triple-berry chia seed smoothie recipe is packed with antioxidants, nutrients, fiber, and delicious ingredients.
This keeps your sugar controlled and your stomach very happy!
Frozen Greek Yogurt Bark
Attention all yogurt lovers, this one’s for you!
Grab a lined baking sheet and spread yogurt all over the sheet. Add diced fruits of your choice.
Sprinkle some sugar-free chocolate chips, and pop it into your freezer overnight.
The next morning, you will have a crunchy, sweet yogurt bark ready for you to enjoy!
High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
If you like the taste of raw cookie dough but still want to achieve your health goals, these high-protein energy balls are for you.
These bites are filled with healthy ingredients, such as oats, flaxseed, and chia, and don’t even need to be baked. After making them, refrigerate and enjoy them throughout the week!
Banana with Nut Butter
Simple yet indulgent, this snack will take 30 seconds to make and tastes delightful.
Slice a banana in half, and drizzle any nut butter of your choice. Sprinkle on some chia or hemp seeds for a balanced snack.
Cottage Cheese Fruit Bowls
If you’re a fan of sweet and salty snacks, you’ll want to try this one!
Grab one container of cottage cheese and add a diced banana or fruit of choice. Drizzle a tablespoon of almond butter on top. This should keep you both full and satisfied for a few hours!
Chocolate Oat Smoothie
Everyone loves a refreshing, sweet smoothie. However, these frozen treats are usually loaded with sugar and no protein.
This chocolate oat smoothie recipe has the right combination of carbs, protein, and fats. It will fill you up and keep you feeling full for hours. One serving of this snack contains 25 grams of protein. It is made from nutritious ingredients like oats, strawberries, pea protein powder, and coconut yogurt.
Frozen Chocolate Nut Butter Cups
Do you want a healthier version of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? These frozen chocolate peanut butter cups are perfect for you!
These treats require just three ingredients. They can be made sugar-free and stored in the freezer for days. Enjoy a convenient and sweet snack whenever you want!
Dark Chocolate and Peanuts
If you don’t have the time to make healthy nut butter cups but still want that taste, make this snack!
Cut a piece of dark chocolate. Grab a handful of peanuts. In seconds, you have a snack. It takes almost no time to prepare this satisfying snack.
Yogurt Bowl with Fruit and Nut Butter
You may have heard this before: A yogurt bowl is a classic, balanced, and easy sweet snack. It’s a great option for when you need something quick.
Combine one cup of Greek yogurt with a variety of fruits, such as mango, blackberries, and raspberries. Add a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts. Finish with a light drizzle of honey. You won’t regret it!
Homemade Acai Bowls
While acai bowls are trending, they are often loaded with excess sugar without even knowing.
A homemade acai bowl, however, is packed with antioxidants and flavor.
This acai bowl recipe only takes a few minutes. It is packed with colorful ingredients, including acai puree, banana, berries, greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey.
Pro tip: When adding toppings, practice portion control to limit sugar and calories while still maintaining the delightful taste.
Written by registered dietitian Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN, FAND, in collaboration with Registered Dietitian Talia Ciklik.
Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in Miami, FL, is dedicated to empowering women in perimenopause and menopause to live healthier, more satisfying lives.
With a doctorate in clinical nutrition from the University of North Florida, she has expertise in menopause and weight loss, including the unique challenges faced by those on weight loss medications.
Su-Nui’s passion for her field is evident in her previous role as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson.
