Healthy Snacks to Lose Weight

At my highest weight, I was around 230 pounds. I was recovering from an illness, being bedridden, and just being treated like shit. It didn't take too long for me to realize that losing weight was something that needed to be done if I wanted to live a happy, healthy, and normal life.

So, I started to CICO, or do a Calorie In, Calorie Out diet. I shed the pounds, and while I'm still trying to lose my last 50, I now am down to a size ten. Much of the reason I was able to lose the weight deals with the snacks I chose — and yes, you can enjoy tasty snacks without packing on the pounds.

Here are the most deliciously healthy snacks to lose weight with, as someone who's lost 50 pounds.

Yes, I count gum among my pantry of healthy snacks to lose weight. Gum may be sugary, but it doesn't have to be. There are sugar-free gums out there, as well as gum brands that help you keep your teeth cavity-free and clean.

Gum also is really, really good for weight loss if you tend to be a "chewer." I get anxious without something in my mouth. I also tend to get really bad cravings for sugary snacks, which makes gum a huge calorie-cutting tool for my diet.

If you have particular cravings, you might want to buy specially flavored gum from Project 7, which donates a portion of its profits to a charity associated with the flavor. So, you can feel good, and get good flavor — all under five calories.

Calories: Typically five per gum piece or less.

Celery

Looking for a better crunch? As someone who loved to chomp, crunch, and chew on things, celery has become a godsend. Along with being really healthy snacks to lose weight with, celery sticks also have the added perk of being one of the lowest-calorie veggies in existence.

This is one of the few foods out there that will stay under 100 calories, even when you eat several pounds of it. That's why it's rumored to be a "negative calorie food," and why it's a dieter's best friend.

Calories: 80 per KILOGRAM of celery, according to Weight Loss Resources.

Jell-O is one of those weird desserts you either love or hate, but the truth is that we should be showing more love to it. This is one of the more healthy snacks to lose weight with, especially if you have a sweet tooth as bad as mine.

A single gelatin cup will run you about ten calories if it's the sugar-free version — which makes it a seriously guiltless indulgence.

Calories: Ten per serving.

Grapefruit

According to Eat This, Not That, studies have shown that eating half of a grapefruit before every meal can help you reduce belly fat and lose weight. Between the low calorie count, the low fat levels, and the high levels of Vitamin C, it's easy to see why this could be the case.

Researchers also believe that phytochemicals found in grapefruits may be one of the reasons why they're such healthy snacks to lose weight with as well. Either way, it's a stomach slimming food worth checking out.

If you can handle the flavor, this could easily be one of the best foods to eat in the morning. Just saying, I'd give it a try if I could deal with the bitter taste.

Calories: 104 calories per whole grapefruit, 52 calories for half.

One of the most delicious and healthy snacks to lose weight with are the newly-popular freeze dried fruit packs you can find at gas stations, food stores, and fruit stands anywhere.

Freeze-dried fruits are super sweet, extremely flavorful, and very low calorie. They also have more vitamins than regularly dehydrated fruits, plenty of fiber, and have an awesome crunch. Losing weight never tasted so great, if I do say so myself.

Calories: Varies, typically under 100 per pack.

Apples

An apple a day definitely does more than keep the doctor away. These naturally healthy snacks to lose weight with are known for boosting your fiber levels, having plenty of appetite-suppressing phytochemicals, and giving you a great boost of vitamins in every bite.

Studies have shown that people who eat apples are less likely to be overweight, more likely to have an easy time going to the bathroom, and are more likely to prevent weight gain in the future. So, grab an apple slice if you're peckish — it'll do your body good.

Calories: 95 for a medium apple.

A lot of people will look at me funny for counting beef jerky among healthy snacks to lose weight with, but hear me out. Though it can be salty and nitrite-filled, there are perks to jerky.

This is a super-high protein snack that provides a very chewy, tender texture which satisfies most people fairly quickly. As long as you choose a healthy, low-sugar bag of jerky, you'll get a great post-workout snack that delivers a lot of protein with relatively low calorie amounts.

Calories: Varies — approximately 90 per serving.

Olives

Olives are known for being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats. They're also known for being incredibly low calorie treats that are packed with delicious Mediterranean flavors — and that makes them awesomely healthy snacks to lose weight with.

You can eat over 20 olives and clock in at under 100 calories fairly easily. Add a little spice, and you have a savory snack that will definitely please your taste buds. Olives are, in my opinion, proof that you can have good eating on a budget.

Calories: Four on average, per olive.

Love' em or hate 'em, kale chips are definitely healthy snacks to lose weight and feel great with. They are lower in calorie (slightly) than their potato counterparts, and often come jam-packed with fiber and Vitamin K. Did we mention they're vegan, too?

If you're a fan of potato side dishes and are craving a spud, eating kale chips will make for a better option. However, like with anything, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

Calories: 110 per serving, or less, depending on the chip making method.