19. Coconut Milk Ice Cream
This delicious food is full of healthy monounsaturated fats. Coconut is also filled with medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs), which can help boost metabolism and support weight loss.
Additionally, the milk contains vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous (39,40,41).
Grab the recipe here.
20. Marinated Artichoke Hearts and Olives
Forget antipasto, just stick to the artichoke hearts.
The salty vegetables can actually protect the cells lining your arteries and help your gut bacteria thrive to improve digestive and immune health (42, 43).
On the other hand, olives fight inflammation, reduce insulin resistance, and help prevent cancer and heart disease (44, 45).
21. Pear Slices with Ricotta Cheese
Pears are great on their own, but they’re even better with a bit of crumbled cheese.
The peel of this fruit contains anti-inflammatory polyphenol antioxidants (46, 47). When it comes to ricotta, studies show that its high protein and fat content promote gains in muscle mass and strength when combined with regular exercise (48).
Stick to one small pear and 100 grams of ricotta per snack.
22. Dried Unsweetened Coconut
Coconut sends you metabolism into overdrive to help you burn fat and lose weight. It even improves memory function and cognitive ability (49, 50, 51).
Since coconut oil and coconut milk aren’t the most portable and enjoyable snacks, stick to unsweetened dried coconut flakes.
23. Turkey Roll-Ups
Instead of making yourself a carb-loaded sandwich, ditch the bread and make these little high-protein roll-ups. The turkey will feed your muscles and keep your metabolism going until your next meal (52, 53, 54).
Ingredients:
- 4 slices turkey breast
- 4 teaspoons cream cheese
- 4 pickles
Instructions:
- Place the slices on a large cutting board.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of cream cheese on each slice.
- Place a pickle on the edge of each slice and roll them up.
- Enjoy!
24. Avocado
Avocados are super versatile, but they’re also great to eat on their own, and their high fat and fiber content is sure to keep your hunger under control.
Plus, avocados help lower LDL cholesterol, reduce the effects of arthritis, and protect skin from sun damage (55, 56, 57).
Eat it straight or add a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper.
25. Ricotta Cheese with Cocoa Powder
For a quick and easy dessert that will keep you in fat-burning mode, combine 1/2 cup full-fat ricotta cheese with 1 teaspoon unsweetened of cocoa powder and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
26. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Drying tomatoes in the sun actually increases their lycopene. Plus, they’re typically store in olive oil, which improves your body’s ability to absorb the important compound (58, 59).
Stick to no more than 100 grams per snack-sized serving and avoid buying tomatoes that contain extra preservatives or high levels of sodium.
27. Cantaloupe Slices Wrapped in Prosciutto
Cantaloupe is juicy and sweet melon fruit that contains nutrients and compound that fight inflammation, keep your eyes healthy and may reduce your risk of disease (60, 61).
Prosciutto provides protein and a slightly salty flavor to compliment the fruit. Simply chop up 100 grams of cantaloupe into squares or wedges and wrap each piece with prosciutto.