When we were kids, a midnight feast often meant raiding the snacks cupboard for cookies, ice cream, and candy bars. A little later in life, we’d watch the sports games with nachos, chips, and crackers, while munching away on non-organic, melted butter-coated popcorn as we watched a movie on Friday night. It was just the way life was – the way it’s always been. And why would we have it any other way?As you get a little bit older, it’s natural to start to care more about your health and physical wellbeing. If you’ve got concerns about your weight, it might well be the snacks that are letting you down. However, what do you do when you get hungry at awkward times? The only real answer is to have a snack – or five. The solution lies in the type of snack you eat. It’s perfectly okay to keep snacking, but there are good snacks and bad snacks. Let’s take a look at 10 filling snacks for smarter weight loss.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, copper, and magnesium, which make them a very healthy food. What lets them down in the eyes of some people is their high calories and fat content.

However, almonds contain good fats, and while they’re not exactly low in calories, just a handful once or twice a day is enough to get the nutrients and help you feel full for longer.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a great way to start the day if you’re looking to lose weight. Ideal to eat between breakfast and lunch, according to LiveStrong it has been found to reduce your appetite by decreasing insulin levels. Too much insulin can lead to weight gain.

Kale Chips

Known as the new beef, kale is absolutely stuffed with nutrients. If you still crave chips while you watch your sports, double down by making kale chips. So tasty and oh so good.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are the core ingredient found in hummus, but they also make the perfect snack by themselves. Rich in fiber and protein, they satisfy your hunger for longer, ensuring you’re less tempted to eat more once it’s time for dinner. They’re also super tasty too.

Grapes

Grapes were the foods of the Greek gods, and were very possibly responsible for those perfectly sculpted bodies and flat stomachs. As a snack, grapes are really handy because they’re small, inexpensive, and super convenient. Containing just 67 calories per 100 grams, just a handful can keep you going all afternoon.

Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado is a super healthy spread that is much better than mayo or salad cream. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and offers something a little bit different to your selection of snacks. Moreover, you know you’re going to be filled up super fast because avocados contain more protein than any other fruit.

Dark Chocolate

Perhaps a surprising inclusion, dark chocolate is the treat of choice if you’re looking to lose weight the smart way. Just two square pieces a day will be enough to satisfy your appetite, while also giving your heart health a boost too.See, dark chocolate is rich in powerful antioxidants that are very beneficial for your cardiovascular health. So why not indulge yourself?

Popcorn

There is bad popcorn (non-organic) and good popcorn (organic). Munch on the good stuff between meals and the high fiber content will give you ample staying power while nullifying your hunger. Make sure to choose air-popped, butter free varieties, and watch the salt.

Yogurt

Eating yogurt between meals really is making your snacks count. Greek yogurt is high in beneficial calcium and fiber that fills you up while helping you lose weight.

Blueberries

Like grapes, blueberries make for a really convenient snack. You can just handpick them while watching a movie, and they taste much better than those candies you used to gorge on.